Gaston Fernandez earned his first ever log slice last Saturday to earn the Timbers a point at home. La Gata's stoppage time goal made up for Jack McInerney’s header in the 64th minute. This week, Portland faces a similarly dangerous striker in Mike Magee of the Chicago Fire, if he plays that is. The Fire may have lost 3-2 last week against Chivas USA, but if Magee makes his season debut Sunday at noon, the Timbers backline is going to have their hands full again.
Portland looked out of sorts all night against Philadelphia. While the Timbers kept most of the possession, they were rarely able to work the ball into the the attacking third. Any time that did happen, a combination of poor finishing and tough defense quelled any attempt. Portland’s defense was dealt a blow in the 34th minute when Pa Modou Kah went down injured. The two teams went into half tied 0-0 with the Union looking unlucky to have capitalized.
The second half started off largely the same. The Timbers kept possession, but were unable to capitalize off of any buildup. Finally, the deadlock was broken in the 64th by Philadelphia. Cristián Maidana sent in a cross which was headed on by Maurice Edu straight to Jack McInerney. Jack Mac put the ball right past Ricketts and the game looked all but over.
Finally, in the 93rd minute of play, Portland broke through. New Timber Steve Zakuani earned a corner which was quickly taken by captain Will Johnson. The ball took a bounce off a Union player’s before reaching the completely unmarked Gaston Fernandez. La Gata, much like Jack Mac, headed the ball into the next, beating an out-of-position keeper. Referee Ioannis Stavridis called time just after the ball was put back into play and the Portland Timbers earned a point to start their 2014 campaign.
With Philadelphia out of the way, the Timbers welcome the Chicago Fire into Providence Park this Sunday. Portland has dominated Chicago in MLS play, having taken 10 of 12 possible points. The teams’ single meeting last year resulted in 2-2 draw with Chicago goals from MIke Magee and Daniel Paladini. But this Sunday, it’s looking likely that Fire Striker Mike Magee won’t make his first appearance of 2014. Good news for a Timbers team that’s looking for a multi goal effort.
New coach Frank Yallop didn’t get the result he expected last week in LA. Chivas USA scored two quick goals shortly after halftime. Chicago didn’t give up; two substitutes, Benji Joya and Quincy Amarikwa, came up big by scoring a goal each in the 64th and 70th minutes respectively. I, like any sane Major League Soccer fan, thought the best the goats could earn was a single point. Defender Bobby Burling had other things in mind. The Chivas center back headed picked out the ball off a Mauro Rosales corner to take the lead with just two minutes to go and sealed the game.
Last week I said that Norberto Paparatto was the key to Portland’s success against Philadelphia. His goal line clearance to keep the Union scoreless in the first half was crucial in securing a point. This week, I think there’s a lot of weight on the shoulders of Maximiliano Urruti. The Argentine Striker has been criticized by fans for his inconsistent finishing through the preseason. Even so, he looked good last week. Maxi nearly scored and harassed both the backline and keeper the entire time he was out on the pitch. He’s going to be involved in at least one goal this week. Whether he scores or lays off for an assist, I don’t know. But, Urruti is poised to do well against a backline that gave up three goals to Chivas. He’s my pick for man of the match this Sunday.
The only question I have about the Portland lineup this week is whether or not Pa Modou Kah is well enough to play. He picked up a knock last weekend and had to be subbed out early. This means that longtime Timber Futty Danso could start alongside Paparatto. I’m okay with this. While he doesn’t have the speed of Kah, Futty is a solid backup. I also think that Norberto can mop up a lot of plays with his skillful slide tackles. Not idea, but I think it’ll all work out.
Three Predictions:
1. Maxi Urruti scores. See above. Plus, my fantasy team could really use a good game from him.
2. The Timbers shutout Chicago. Call me a homer, but I don’t think Chicago is going to score with Magee in the starting XI. Paladini is always a threat in the air and the combination of Futty and Paparatto didn’t do too well in their clearances last week, but things can change after a week.
3. Valeri and Fernandez are both more involved early. The Timbers have a tendency to come out of the gates looking tired. This has to change if they want to compete for any kind of accolades in 2014. The Fire are the perfect team to break this stagnant streak against. Valeri and Fernandez need to create early so that they can draw attention away from both Nagbe and Urruti. Both players are far more dangerous with a bit of room, especially Nagbe. If he can get space I expect a career year from the youngster.
Starting Lineups:
Portland: Donovan Ricketts; Harrington, Futty, Paparatto, Jewsbury; Johnson, Valeri, Chara; Fernandez, Urruti, Nagbe
Chicago: Johnson; Segares, Soumare, Hurtado, Palmer; Laretowicz; Duka, Rolfe, Alex, Nyarko; Anangono
(image courtesy of Thomas Boyd/The Oregonian)
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