We told you not to call it an upset! Well, we couldn’t have really predicted the game would look like it did on Sunday, but we did anticipate the Timbers getting the win. On a perfect Sunday afternoon in Portland, where the temperature hovered around 65 degrees and hardly a cloud covered the sky, the Timbers made the most of early opportunities and never took their foot off the gas in cruising to a 3-0 victory. Had you not known their records going into the match, it surely looked like the Timbers were the undefeated squad out there.
Despite surrendering possession for ¾ of the entire game, Portland perfectly executed Coach Savarese’s game plan to play high and tight on defense and fiercely counter attack vertically, leaving lots of space for the Timbers attackers to roam and confusing the over-matched defense. The Timbers had no interest in holding the ball from the onset, only looking to attack when they gained possession. NYCFC just looked like they wanted to go home. It was all Timbers from the opening whistle, with Sebastian Blanco having the chances to score 3 goals and an add assist in the first 20 minutes yet couldn’t quite get the ball past the keeper. Instead, it was the least assuming of the three early attacks that would get the Timbers on the board.
Blanco received a perfect cross from Andres Flores in the 26th and sent a floating header to the top right corner, much to the surprise and chagrin of NYCFC & U.S. national team keeper, Sean Johnson. Even at 5’ 7’’, Blanco’s proven to be an aerial threat early on and actually leads the Timbers in headed goals thus far. The second goal for Portland was added after another counter attack led by Blanco set Valeri up for a shot near the 6’ and led to an empty net rebound for striker, Fanendo Adi. The trio of Adi, Blanco and Valeri together looked like one that would give any MLS team fits. They played with pace, purpose and an unwavering resolve that has us feeling way, way better about the Timbers chances to be great this year.
Not to toot our own horn too much here, but we did say that corner kicks would be crucial for the Timbers. That proved true on Sunday, as that was just about the only statistical category that the Timbers led and one that accounted for the third and “put-away” goal for the Timbers courtesy of Mabiala. Larrys first goal career for the Timbers was a beauty. It was headed so furiously past the keeper, we thought it was going to go through the netting.
The winners of their past two matches, the Timbers have earned themselves a weekend off. Though on the surface, that may seem counter-productive since they are scorching hot after returning to Providence Park. However, you simply can’t argue that with each passing week, the Timbers look more and more like a budding team who are buying into a new system and a new head man. Portland will return to action in two weeks as they get back on the road to take on San Jose. Coming off a 3-2 loss at Orlando and having to face Columbus on the road this weekend, the Earthquakes will have to cram for their test against the Timbers. We see that being very problematic for them. #RCTID #Streaking