POSTGAME: Mired in Marsh, Portland Settles for a Draw on the Way to 24

Despite the rain soaked playing surface, the Timbers managed their way to a 0-0 draw Saturday evening against the Battery, their historic unbeaten streak now pushed to 24 league matches. However, considering Portland played with man-up advantage for over an hour, some may feel coming away from Charleston with only a draw was a bit of disappointment. Unable to score or really take control with the match 11 on 10, perhaps some of that discontent lays with the players themselves. Regardless, there is the sense here that, nothing aside from a loss, is really "settling". I'd say the overruling consensus is that the team avoided a loss and that they're still atop of the USL standings in a favorable position to win the Commisioner's Cup.

The playing conditions were a major factor in the outcome. With the field drenched in rain, the players not only had to be conscience of their own stability, but had to adjust to a ball that moved unpredictably through the wet surface. It was common to see passes whip over the water one moment and then suddenly come to an abrupt stop in a puddle. At first notion, I thought the slick field would perhaps favor the Timbers, since they're used to a quicker surface on the PGE turf, but this wasn't the case. The Charleston players seemed to handle the conditions better, continuing to put pressure on the Timber defense even after going down a man. For a majority of the match, the Timbers just seemed out of sync, their play especially ragged in the 2nd half. Charleston outshot Portland 8-5 on the match, aggressively forcing set pieces, and earning more corner kicks overall 4-2.

Cronin played well again, grabbing another shutout for the season. He was put to the test multiple times, making 3 official saves on the night. Stephen Keel also did his part on defense, making key break-ups in the box, and saving a couple goals himself. All season Keel has been a vocal leader and a strong presence on the Tmber's backline. Rain or not, Portland's defense has been called to question since Cameron Knowles misfortunate injury a couple weeks ago. Mamadou Danso, who has been taking most of Knowles' minutes, is still trying to adjust and find his way. Against the battery, he made some clumsy passes, carelessly turning over possession too often. But perhaps some miscommunication is to be expected with a player fitting into a new and more demanding role, unfortunately for the Timbers with only 5 games left on the season, the postseason is rapidly approaching. In their favor however, is the fact that 4 of those last 5 matches are against non-playoff teams and will also be played at home.

A quick note on Ian Fuller's red card. He deserved it. Pore made light, incidental contact with Charleston's keeper Wiggans chasing a loose ball in the box, to which Fuller took great offense, instantly charging Pore and grabbing him with both hands around the shirt collar. I can understand protecting your players, especially your keeper, but it was still a gross overreaction, considering Pore instantly raised his hand to apologize. The refs must have felt the need to make an example of Fuller to keep control of the match under the extreme conditions.

Last Drop - A couple of new faces. In the 2nd half, new signee Rodrigo Lopez subbed in and got to play about 32 minutes. I thought Lopez looked like a player who could definitely contribute to this team - he's got speed and moved the ball efficiently and quickly around the pitch. It will be interesting to see how much playing time he'll get in the future and if he can break into the rotation this late in the year. Also on Friday, the Timbers signed Mexican-born defender, Ivan Becerra, a standout from the PDL champion Ventura Fusion. This is certainly a sign that Coach Wilkinson feels the need to solidify and shore up that defensive line, providing a little more insurance with Knowles missing in action.