Portland Timbers
Charleston Battery
For the team's last contest in August, the Timbers will take on the Battery in Charleston, where they look to push their historic streak to 24 matches Unbeaten. A lot will be on the line at Blackbaud Stadium Friday night, as both teams are hoping to claim this year's Commissioner's Cup, awarded to the club that finishes the year atop of the USL standings.
Currently, there are streaks within The Big Streak, so to speak. The 1st place Timber's are also riding a 5 match winning streak, exploding for 12 goals in those games, a stretch in which the team's play on the pitch has been splendid, their confidence visibly rising with every victory. On an individual level, Ryan Pore has found the back of the net in ALL 6 games since returning from injury, his scoring streak adding to what's already the league's most productive offense. Mandjou Keita, recently named to the USL Team of the Week for the 5th time this year, leads the league in goals and total points. Pore is 2nd in the league in both categories as well.
The Battery, who are tied for 2nd place, trailing 6 points behind the Timbers, will have to deal with a tenacious and stingy Portland defense. Despite losing star defender Cameron Knowles for the season, the Timbers have only allowed 4 goals this entire month and keeper Steve Cronin has had 2 August shutouts already. Mamadou Danso and Takuro Nishimura are simply more proof of this team's depth, and both will need to keep playing well as the playoffs approach. The Portland juggernaut will roll into South Carolina bursting with momentum, but can they pull together yet again for the last serious road test of the season?
Charleston will be motivated and dangerous, as they look to avenge their only loss of the month. This will be the final regular season meeting between these two clubs - Portland earning a draw early in the year at Blackbaud Stadium and then annihilating the Battery 3-1 at PGE Park. However, at home the Battery are best, accumulating a record of 7-1-4 and only allowing 6 goals against. Don't be fooled by Blackbaud Stadium's diminuitive stature either, although only seating 5,100 at full capacity, the intimate design puts the crowd right on the field, and the fans should be out in force to root against the Timber's reaching No. 24 at their expense. For extra incentive, if the Battery get the victory they officially clinch a spot in the playoffs, something the Timber's have already accomplished. Either way, it's going to be an absolute battle, as two of the favorites to win the USL championship this year meet. Looks like we're in store for a humid summer night down South, with a high around 84 degrees, 40% percipitation, and a chance for a few thunderstorms.
Players to Watch
Tsuyoshi Yoshitake - In Charleston's last couple matches, the midfielder scored 2 goals in the team's win over Cleveland and assisted in the game's only goal in a draw against the Whitecaps. Containing Yoshitake's quick, attacking style will be a key for the Timber's defense.
Tyler Hemming - Hemming is an aggressive midfielder who doesn't shy away from contact when trying to win balls and won't be afraid to take a shot on goal either - second on the team with 30 attempts. As usual, this game will be won in the midfield, so expect physical play and expect confrontations with Mcmanus. Hemming leads the Battery with 30 fouls on the season.
Keith Wiggans - Charleston's regular starter at keeper, Dusty Hudock, has missed the last 3 matches due to injury. He leads the USL in shutouts with 12 on the year. Wiggan's first game filling in he took a beating from the Timbers. He's rebounded a bit since then, only allowing 2 goals in as many matches. How will he do a second time around?
One last drop - Midfielder Rodrigo Lopez, recently signed by the Timbers, will be officially activated and ready for any possible action on Friday.
Carolina kept the race interesting last night. They are now within 3 points of Portland after their 9-0 bitchslapping of Miami. No, that's not a typo either. Way to fuck up the goal differential Miami. Portland is just barely holding on to the league lead now. The Railhawks have 5 games remaining.
Also, we revised our magic number for Portland down to 12. The Timbers own the head-to-head tiebreaker over Carolina, meaning if both teams end with 63 points (Carolina's ceiling), Portland would still take the Commissioner's Cup.
Blackblah stadium looks like a stupid highschool football field. They barely even sell out the place. The new PGE Park will make it freakin' joke.
ReplyDeleteThe only thunder you will hear is our boots stomping their heads!
ReplyDeleteI certainly expect it be a physical game, but you guys are getting a little blood-thirsty and personal, eh? Also, i've stomped on a few heads before, but it sounds more like a smooshed grape rather than thunder.
ReplyDeleteThis is a big big game. If the Timbers can win this, their odds on the Commissioner's Cup look good.
ReplyDeleteI think that would be putting it a bit mildly. WIth a game in hand and 4 out of the last 5 at home against the bottom dwellers of the league, well, I'd say it's at a bare minimum, VERY VERY good.
ReplyDeleteDrop some cash on this game: http://betway.com/sports-betting/soccer/usa-usl-first-division
ReplyDeleteCarolina is only 3 points behind. They won 9-0 last night. 9 to freaking 0.
ReplyDeleteMiami you got knocked the fuck out! Miami should shave their heads in shame.
ReplyDeleteP.S.
ReplyDeleteI am going to punch a few holes in my wall if Pore doesn't continue his streak.
Gentleman, I agree with you that Miami's effort was pathetic, but it's only sports - chill out. No need to physically punish anyone, or damage property, or make references to defecation. But hey, i guess the site is called Dropping Timber, right? Anyways, good post, I like the magic# thing, but what would happen if they lose to Charleston? Besides, John and I punching holes in our walls.
ReplyDeleteMy name is Jobin. Get it straight Bro Montana.
ReplyDelete