The Portland Timbers delivered another listless performance in a 1-0 loss on Saturday against Toronto FC. Consecutive losses against Houston Dynamo and Toronto FC mark the first time since March of last season that the Timbers have lost back-to-back games, and only the third time (not counting playoffs) since Caleb Porter took over in 2013.
Portland had no answer for Italian international Sebastian Giovinco, who scored on a beautiful long-distance strike in the 5th minute. Giovinco then spent much of the rest of the game tormenting Portland’s back line, and right back Alvas Powell in particular. For the first time this season, Powell looked truly lost and out of his depth, as he was repeatedly beaten and beaten badly by Giovinco, which led to numerous chances for Toronto throughout the game. Were it not for the excellent play of Portland goalie Adam Larsen-Kwarasey (in what might have been his best game of the season), the game easily could have ended up a 3-0 or 4-0 blowout. Once again, Portland’s attack was disjointed and lacking creativity, particularly after Diego Valeri suffered an ankle injury in the 25th minute and was unable to continue. The severity of Valeri’s injury was not immediately apparent and Coach Caleb Porter has yet to elaborate on the subject. The Timbers attack after Valeri left mainly consisted of running the flanks and sending in crosses that were easily defended by Toronto. The one spark Portland had was a long pass taken by Maximillano Uruti in the box, who was then clipped by the Toronto goalkeeper in an apparent penalty; however, much to the Timbers’ chagrin, the referee did not agree, and Portland did not seriously threaten again.
All the preseason talk from the Timbers focused on avoiding the nightmare start of 2014 that eventually led to a missed postseason birth. But after 12 games, the 2015 version of the Portland Timbers have exactly the same number of points (13) as their 2014 counterparts did at the same point. With that in mind, it is fair to ask: are the Timbers a good team who has yet to find their stride? Or are the recent results proof that the team is destined for another disappointing campaign?
The truth, as it usually does, lies somewhere in the middle. Portland’s defense has been among the best in MLS this season, a vast improvement over the sieve-like effort often put forward last year. Nat Borchers has teamed beautifully with Liam Ridgewell, and Larsen-Kwarasey has proven steady in goal. Powell has struggled at times at right back, but has improved dramatically in both attack and defense from last season, and Jorge Villafaña has been solid, if unspectacular, on the left side. Portland has allowed 13 goals in 12 games, for a perfectly respectable rate of 1.08 goals allowed per game.
However, it is becoming readily apparent just how much Portland relies on Valeri to inject life, skill, and creativity into the offense, and how badly Portland lacks all three when he is not on the field. Much of this blame for Portland’s attacking struggles has to fall on striker Fanendo Adi, who was brought in to play the tip of the spear, scoring goals and opening lanes for the rest of the Timbers’ attackers. Were Adi simply another player thrust into this role, his struggles could be forgiven; but Adi is one of three of Designated Players and is the second-highest paid Timber, ahead of the likes of playmakers Valeri and Darlington Nagbe.
Adi was specifically targeted by Portland GM Gavin Wilkinson as a player who had succeeded in Europe and played at its highest levels, including Champions League appearances against Real Madrid and Juventus. But for whatever reason, that success has not consistently translated to MLS. Adi often looks lost or frustrated on the field, as he consistently fails to connect with teammates and has been unable to finish those chances that do come his way. He often appears to be playing tentatively and without confidence, taking an extra dribble instead of trusting his shot which leads to missed opportunities. Instead of using his strength to hold up the play and allow teammates to find lanes, he will flop in an attempt to get a call. He is a step late or slow on through passes and fails to anticipate in key moments.
When Adi is playing well, he is a force in the box that requires multiple defenders to deal with; he is a threat in the air as well as with his feet, and makes the game easier for all of his teammates. But Portland has yet to see that version of Adi this season for any extended period of time, and time is quickly running out for both Adi and the Timbers to salvage their season. There are no realistic long-term replacements for Adi currently on the roster; Uruti is a solid player and excels in short spurts as an energy player and pest off the bench, but is not ready to bear the burden of carrying Portland’s attack. No other player on the Portland roster shows even glimpses of the ability required to be the focal point the Timbers are in desperate need of.
Portland’s offense has been abysmal this year. Whether Adi can find his form or the answer is simply a return to health for Valeri and Will Johnson, the Timbers will find themselves in a precarious position if Portland cannot regain their scoring touch quickly. Gavin Wilkinson, Caleb Porter, and the Timbers do not have the luxury of waiting until the summer transfer window opens up on July 8th to go out and find their offense. If Portland’s attacking struggles continue for much longer, 2015 will end up in another lost season for the Rose City and Adi, Wilkinson, and Porter may all find their respective positions in serious jeopardy.
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