The Timbers tied Charleston 1-1 today, extending their unbeaten streak to 10 league games. After controlling the first half, the Battery broke through about 20 mins into the 2nd half on some nice passing leading to a goal by forward Randi Patterson. The Timbers would answer - 20mins later finding their equalizer, defender Scott Thompson sending the cross over to Manjou Keita for the scoring header. A frenzied eruption of scoring opportunities for both teams during the closing minutes made for a nerve-racking ending, a nice change after a mundane first half.
- The Timbers seemed really loose and out of focus in the first half, turning the ball over way too many times. I wish I had the stats available, but the Battery surely dominated time of possession and passing percentage. After they fell down a goal the Timbers instantly picked up their intesnsity level, just too bad they couldn't begin the match that way.
- We saw some really good stuff from Scott Thompson, not just assisting on the score, but also getting his foot on a bunch of break-ups, including one of the last second saves. It seems like a different player from the Timbers defense steps-up each week.
- Alex Nimo continued his impressive play, especially considering he only turned 19 recently. Hopefully Coach Wilkinson will keep him the starting lineup - I like the creativity and energy he brings to the offense, throughout the 2nd half he posed a constant threat down that right wing. In fact it was his ability to squeeze something out of a broken play that eventually lead to the Keita header.
- The Battery were forced to take keeper Hudock out due to back pain, which proved to be a key moment in the game - 6 minutes later replacement keeper Keith Wiggans getting a rude welcoming into the game.
- I'd say the Timbers should be pretty happy about going on the road against the leagues two top teams and leaving with 2 points. Next, they head on the road to take on the Sonoma County Sol in the 2nd round of the US Open Cup, Tuesday afternoon.
No comments:
Post a Comment