Last Saturday, after the 2-1 Timbers victory over the Chicago Fire, there seemed to be a brand new mood set throughout the city of Portland. The Timbers had won, and answered positively with quick, forceful gritty plays to those who were skeptical about Timber football.
So what exactly did the Timbers do right this time around? Head coach John Spencer attributes his teams’ success to control. And it was obvious during Saturday’s game that the Timbers maintained authority over the Fire with their smart-played consistent shifts on offense. Spencer says that up next for the Timbers is getting points on the board. “The final thing that always comes is scoring goals,” he says. While the Timbers haven’t scored as many goals as they wish this season, they are looking stronger with each play.
With close to a month’s rest, defender Eric Brunner came ready to strike on Saturday; and that is exactly what came about. Brunner’s shot on goal gave the Timbers the perfect amount of spark and that supremacy feel over the Fire. This Timbers season, I have found myself teetering between needing better offense and a more forceful defense; one game the Timbers provide flawless defense but can get a bit sluggish on offense. This was not the case on Saturday. Timbers perfected football on both ends.
We all are quick to applaud Kris Boyd’s play this season. Against the Fire, Boyd provided an imperative assist to Brunner’s strike. Boyd is aggressive on goal, proving that a missed shot can lead to the perfect opportunity for a sneak attack on goal.
The mighty duo consisting of Boyd and Darlington Nagbe pushed plays into the Fire’s box with Brunner there for a quick answer to why putting force in the box is successful. Chicago looked flustered, desperately trying to cover Boyd and Nagbe, yet left Brunner’s right foot open and ready for any deflected shots. Anticipation. Constant pressure. It was in the back of every Timber players’ minds during the match against Chicago. And it has paid off.
The Timbers are attacking at the perfect time. Bumping LA Galaxy down to last place in the Western Conference, the Timbers are gaining momentum. With plenty of play left this season, the Timbers have put the habit of scoreless games behind them. I can feel it this time!
Portland received the perfect dose of confidence before facing the Vancouver Whitecaps. Call them a bit of a rival, Vancouver comes to Portland with a fourth place standing in the West and 18 points. The Whitecaps are coming off a cup final loss to Toronto FC, but Vancouver assures that their “loss hangover” will be dismissed before they travel to JELD-WEN field this Saturday.
Now is the time when the Timbers must keep their eyes on the prize…playoffs. Play a tough, offensively focused game against Vancouver and we can have the confidence and the points we need for a quick spot into the MLS playoffs. The Timbers are vying for a Cascadia Cup victory, a playoff berth and a late season boost in points. Boyd, Songo’o, Nagbe, Zizzo…all provide dynamite force and control up and down the field. If Timber football is executed properly, crucial points for playoffs and the bragging rights of Cascadia Champions will be the Timber prizes on Saturday.
Perhaps the most crucial game of the season for the Timbers begins this Saturday, May 26th at 7:00pm at JELD-WEN. Go Timbers!
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