The Portland Timbers played what many would describe as their worst game of soccer thus far this season against the New York Red Bulls. The 2-0 defeat at home last Sunday saw both goals coming in the first half of play. Despite the loss, the Timbers are still in sole position of sixth place, barely holding on to a playoff spot for the moment. They desperately needed a win, but fell short of that expectation when they conceded two goals back-to-back in the 43rd and 45th minutes of play, respectively. However, life goes on and as the Timbers keep digging themselves into a hole, there have been some speculations surrounding the matter of whether or not Caleb Porter is the right man for the helm.
To be honest, these speculations came as a shock to me. This type of conduct revealed how dishonest human nature can be, for as long as circumstances are in their favor, they have no complaints. But as soon as the situation heads downhill, they change like the weather. This isn’t a new phenomenon. Coach Porter is only in his third year of reign for the Timbers, and before we start criticizing a man whose currently facing adversities, let us first reflect on his accomplishments.
In 2013, in Coach Porter’s first season, he won the Timbers their first ever Supporters Shield trophy, also snubbing the Coach of the Year Award in the process. We can all agree that he should be credited for establishing some structure to how the Timbers currently go about their business on the pitch. Before Mr. Porter, the Timbers had a rather bland flavor. Nowadays, this team has a zesty piquancy that whiffs throughout Providence Park whenever this reputable coach graces the stadium with his presence.
Professionalism is something that I rate Mr. Porter very highly for. Earlier this year, the Timbers defeated FC Dallas 3-1 at Providence Park. After the final whistle, Mr. Porter did what every respectable coach would do after a game, no matter the results. He went for a handshake with Oscar Pareja, the FC Dallas head coach, who declined and handed Mr. Porter a used napkin instead. I guess he was trying to mock the Timbers coach, claiming that he had been crying to the referee all night. How many managers would have lost their composure if they were in a situation such as Mr. Porter’s? How about a year ago when the mighty Bayern Munich came and fell in Portland last summer at the annual Adidas MLS All-Star game? Bayern Munich head coach Pep Guardiola refused to shake Mr. Porter’s hand because of refereeing errors and such, which are out of the Timbers coach’s control. How did Mr. Porter react? He never really criticized the coaches in the media or dwelled on any of the incidents. He placed the past behind him and went on with his job. Furthermore, even on the hottest of days, Mr. Porter is normally in a suit of some sort, while other coaches wear sweats. How’s that for character and professionalism?
Since Mr. Porter’s arrival to the club, there has been noticeable changes for the better. Both on and off the field, we have seen the qualities which he possesses. His clever tactics and easy going nature is much adored by the Portland community. Moreover, I’d go out on a stretch to say that he’s the best coach that the Timbers have ever had at their helm! To the Porter haters in the Timbers Army, I say let us keep our focus on axing teams, not the coach.
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