Timbers vs Loons – in our house!
Willamette Valley winemakers and diehard Timbers fans have one important thing in common, they’re ready for sunnier days. After a slightly tumultuous five game road trip, the Timbers return home to a familiar place in Providence Park. While the Timbers certainly didn’t jump out to the start they had hoped, they still have 29 of their 34 total games in front of them, and those who have watched all five games this season, do know there have been some bright spots. For one, Sebastian Blanco has looked like an all-star, giving defenders fits and sparking a Timbers attack that initially spun its wheels. In addition, they have gotten some surprisingly good play out of Bill Tuiloma, a 23-year-old defensive midfielder who worked his way up the USL ranks last year and whom some thought wouldn’t even make the final roster going into the year.
For the Timbers, their biggest problem plaguing the team thus far has been their inconsistency– particularly in their own half. A usually stout backline has surrendered 12 goals through their first 5 games, a big reason the Timbers find themselves with the second worst goal differential in the league. At times, Portland has look like their old selves, but only for stretches or halves at a time, never for an entire game. It’s time for that streak to end, and that might mean Coach Gio going back to his seasoned veterans in Liam Ridgewell and Dairon Asprilla. Whomever he goes with, they know the pressure will be on. Portland’s current position puts the squad with their backs to the walls. That plus the full Timbers Army behind the boys, should be enough to get a team whose been on the precipice, the win they’ve so desperately been craving.
Components
1-5 Scale; 1=Not Great; 5=Good or an Advantage for Our Team
Pinot Noir: 17-20, Pinot Gris 13-16, Rosé 9-12
Match Weather: 4 Some good old-fashioned Portland spring weather. 500 at start. MN will think it’s Miami.
Start Time: 5 A primetime Sat. night home opener? It’s going to be absolutely roaring in Goose Hollow
Rivalry Game? 4 The Loons got shellacked in their first ever MLS game in PDX last year. They remember.
Hot or Not? 2 It’s like a game of Where’s Waldo where half the page is covered. We know we’re close!
Final Score: 15
Verdict: Pinot Gris Game
I don’t know where you will be, but we’ll be at section 95 around 7:15. We’ll be wearing green from head to toe, Pinot Gris in hand, scarves around our neck, eagerly awaiting the home team once again. Given what we seen, it may be a bit risky, but taking risks, in soccer, wine and life is what it’s all about. If you’re wavering in making a decision, don’t. The Timbers are gonna win. You can take that to the bank! #RCTID #Homesweethome