57th minute: Timbers 2, Chicago 0
70th minute: Timbers 2, Chicago 1
And, because you had to know this was coming:
82nd minute: Timbers 2, Chicago 2
You could be forgiven for having a flashback moment; Lord knows I had one. The Portland Timbers’ performance in the Windy City was like a déjà vu moment, a reflection of the eight month disappointment that was their 2012 campaign. It wasn’t a pleasant experience.
It’s not an apples to apples comparison, because half the regulars weren’t wearing green and white last year. They had nothing to do with the side that managed to snatch draws, and sometimes defeats, from the jaws of victory. Still, when the Chicago Fire scored their first goal, I found myself thinking that I’d seen this movie before. Twelve minutes later, it felt like a re-run of Weekend at Bernie’s II. Sloppy defending, mental breakdowns and silly fouls made for a performance the critics could- and would- mercilessly pan.
A disappointing result from one road match shouldn’t overshadow the progress the Timbers have made. However, it does provide more questions than answers. Unbeaten in 12 games, they’re sitting in third on the Western Conference table. The Timbers’ defense has been solid, the offense capable, their mental toughness much improved over last season. Caleb Porter’s first season on the sideline has been a pleasant surprise. Things are looking up, and the future looks brighter than it did at this time last season. Still …
The meltdown in Chicago showed that, while the Timbers are better than last year’s edition, still have a ways to go. Saturday’s collapse showed that the distance between where the Timbers are and an MLS Cup is considerable. An honest observer would admit the Timbers still have a few holes big enough to sink them come playoff time.
Championship teams are a threat to anyone at any time, at home or on the road. A champion with a 2-0 lead on Chicago would have stepped on the Fire and squeezed the last breath of life out of them. They’d play as hard in the 80th minute as they do in the 10th. They’d protect a lead by maintaining possession consistently and forcing the opposition to chase the ball. The lack of a killer instinct is what will likely keep the Timbers from bringing home the MLS Cup in December.
One bad day at the office doesn’t negate what the Timbers have accomplished this season. They’ve played well; perhaps better than fans had any reason to expect. For a fan base known for having high (and not always realistic) expectations (they were supposed to make the playoffs in 2011, remember?), it’s hard to know what to think. Do we go all in … or wait for the Timbers to show that they’re the real thing?
The good news is that’s it only June and the Timbers are currently in playoff position. Whether they’d be up to the challenge presented by a playoff spot remains to be seen. There’s still time to shore up the weaknesses the Fire exposed Saturday night. If they can do that, then maybe the team with only one loss this season could prove themselves to be ready.
Maybe.
Jack Cluth is on Twitter. Follow him at @yuppieskum
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
