Three Thoughts On The Portland Timbers’ 1-2 Loss To The Vancouver Whitecaps

The Portland Timbers fell to Vancouver on the road 2-1 on Saturday evening, continuing a distressing pattern of outplaying opponents for large stretches while consistently dropping points. George Fochive gave up a soft foul outside the box in the 15^th minute that Vancouver midfielder Nicolas Mezquida placed just over the wall and just outside the reach of Portland goalkeeper Adam Larsen Kwarasey. The evening was completed by a stunning misstep from Brochers and Ridgewell in the 90^th minute, which let Vancouver substitute Robert Earnshaw slip through one-on-one against Kwarasey where he calmly slotted home the winner. Portland dominated the game in essentially every measurable statistic…except the final score. Portland won possession 65-35, outshot Vancouver 15-13, had 7 corners to Vancouver’s none, and put 47 crosses in to Vancouver’s 7. But once again, all of the quality play fails to net Portland 3 points, or even 1.

Here are three thoughts on Portland’s loss:

1. Portland’s final balls let them down

Throughout the entire game, Portland’s skill was on display, particularly down the wings. Darlington Nagbe was given the freedom to roam the field and pushed Vancouver down the flanks all 90 minutes. For the 4^th consecutive game, Alvas Powell caused countless headaches for the opposing defense. But Powell’s crosses failed to hit the mark, consistently missing Adi and Uruti in the box. Darion Asprilla replaced Uruti in the 65^th minute, and he brought noticeable shift in build-up play, taking many more direct routes. But, with the exception of Adi’s finish of a Rodney Wallace cross, Portland was unable to finish any chances. It’s frustrating when Portland fails to capitalize on chances; it’s simply maddening when those chances fail to ever materialize due to poor service.

2. Portland has a defense that it can count on

Portland’s defense swallowed up the Vancouver attack for 89 minutes on Saturday. Yes, the 90^th minute goal was supremely deflating and an obvious gaffe by Borchers and Ridgewell. But that might be the first true instance of a mistake caused by miscommunication that the pair have had this year. The only game where Portland’s defensive triangle has been consistently challenged this season was against the LA Galaxy, which was due much more to LA’s superior attacking skill than any mixups by the center back pairing. For the third out of four games played this season, Portland’s back line stifled chances, communicated brilliantly, and diffused many potentially troublesome spots for the Timbers. If Borchers and Ridgewell stay healthy, Portland will not fail due to defensive struggles.

3. It’s early … but Portland can’t afford to let the slide continue much longer

For the third consecutive year, Caleb Porter failed to win a game in March. As Portland’s coach, he is 0-4-8 in the first month of the season, a truly astounding statistic. Portland has only played 4 games, and have 30 more to go in the MLS regular season. There is plenty of time for Portland to earn some results and climb the standings. But Portland currently sits in last place in the Western Conference with a measly 3 points, 7 points shy of FC Dallas and 6 points behind Saturday’s opponent and Cascadia rival, Vancouver. Portland has league leaders Dallas, the two expansion teams Orlando City and New York City FC, and a visit to hated Seattle for the next month. If Portland fails to find at least two results with one victory over these next four fixtures, they may be staring last season’s nightmare scenario in the face all over again, falling into a hole too large to climb out of even with all-star reinforcements on the way.