Does Caleb Porter’s Trust In Maximiliano Uruti Signal The End Of Fanendo Adi In Portland?

In soccer, a team’s fortunes can change seemingly overnight. One week ago, the Portland Timbers had just completed a lackluster performance in a 1-0 defeat to Toronto FC, leaving the team with 13 points and a spot at the bottom of the Western Conference standings. One week later, on the strength of a last-minute goal from Jack Jewsbury, the Timbers earned a 2-1 victory over Colorado. This was Portland’s second victory in just four days, and they now sit with 19 points and in fifth position in the west.

The Timbers once again used the Argentinian pair of Maximiliano Uruti and Gastón Fernández to lead the attack and, just as it did on Wednesday against D.C. United, the decision paid off for Coach Caleb Porter in the form of a goal in the 38^th minute when Uruti drew the defenders then dropped a perfect pass to Fernández who placed it perfectly just beyond the reach of Rapids keeper Clint Irwin into the right corner of the goal.

The Timbers had numerous opportunities to extend their lead in the second half, but failed to capitalize as Irwin made a number of good saves. The Rapids then equalized in the 90^th minute with a wonder-volley from Sam Cronin from the top of the box, and it appeared that the teams were headed towards a draw. That is, until an odd-man rush in the dying moments led to Ishmael Yartey, while lying on his back, getting just enough of the ball to force it to a crashing Jewsbury, who slid the ball between Irwin’s legs and into the goal, giving Portland all three points and sending the Timbers Army into rapture. According to the Timbers, Jewsbury’s 93^rd minute score was the latest road goal in Portland’s five MLS seasons.

Portland’s lineup for the game, and the continued utilization of Fernández and Uruti up top in particular, has raised eyebrows. “I thought the group that we played on Wednesday showed a lot of hunger to get the job done,” said Porter after the game, “I wanted to reward some guys and it certainly meant that we weren’t quite as fresh, but I just felt psychologically, it was important to reward guys for getting the job done.” The strategy obviously paid off for Porter and Portland, as Uruti and Fernández rewarded Porter’s faith. But this left Designated Player Fanendo Adi stuck coming off the bench for the second straight game.

Adi’s lack of form is no recent revelation to Coach Porter or the Timbers faithful. But recent comments allegedly made by Timbers owner Merritt Paulson at an invitation-only event for food and beverage business owners suggest that another Designated Player might be on their way to the Rose City as soon as this summer, with the summer transfer window opening July 8^th. With the Timbers already at the current league maximum of three designated players (Adi, Diego Valeri, and Liam Ridgewell), some creative work would have to be done by the Timbers’ front office to bring in another.

One option is to pay down the salary of one of the three current DPs on the roster to bring them down under the salary level of a designated player, thereby freeing up a slot. Another, simpler option is to find another home for Adi. This may be the best outcome for everyone involved, as both Adi and the Timbers are assuredly frustrated with his struggles since Portland permanently acquired the striker last June.

So who would Portland target if they were to go searching for another Designated Player? Based on public comments from Merritt Paulson, Portland has been nosing around a major signing for some time now. The Timbers were one of the teams consistently mentioned as a possible destination for Jozy Altidore before he signed with Toronto FC, and Paulson has previously spoken out on his attempts to woo Chelsea legend Didier Drogba. In addition to Drogba, Italian great Andrea Pirlo’s name has been linked to a move to MLS this summer.

Unfortunately, the Timbers face the same struggles as their basketball brethren – for better or worse, Portland is not a “destination” city like New York or Los Angeles for free agents and impact players. The likes of Drogba, Pierlo, or any other major signing currently being debated by Paulson, Porter, and General Manager Gavin Wilkinson will have to be sold on living in Portland just as much, if not more, than they would on playing for the Timbers.

With recent results turning in Portland’s direction, the Timbers find themselves once again in the thick of the Western Conference playoff race. As the temperatures rise and the race for the playoffs and Supporter’s Shield heats up, Portland will need to be firing on all cylinders to keep up with the likes of Cascadia rivals Vancouver and Seattle. Only time will tell whether that means a return to form for Fanendo Adi or the Timbers bringing in a replacement focal point for the offense. One thing is certain though; even with back-to-back wins, Paulson, Porter, and the Timbers do not seem satisfied with the status quo.