Player ratings for the 3/11 pre-season match against the Sounders.
Steve Cronin: 10
An absolute beast. He hasn't lost a step from last season, and the Timbers may be able to ride his back again for a few matches this year. If this season is an MLS tryout, Cronin really made his case against the Sounders. (90', 6 saves)
Back line: 8.5
The Timbers played with 4 defenders in the back, and a defensive midfielder, so the Timbers in effect were allowing the Sounders to get their chances. Despite a few lapses, the defense came through and Wilkinson's strategy paid huge dividends.
Mamadou "Futty" Danso: 9
Sporting "Futty" on his back, Danso was the Timber's most solid defender, anchoring the defense and coming up with huge plays against the Sounders. (90')
Quavas Kirk: 8
Kirk was the most impressive new addition to the Timbers defense. He had a couple of missed marks and touches, allowing the Sounders to strike, but came through when needed and single-handedly prevented at least one goal. (subbed at 73')
Midfield: 6
Except for a brief period in the second half, the Sounders were able to control possession for most of the match. Part of this was because the Timbers were set up defensively, but some of it can be attributed to the midfielders just being out-skilled by their MLS counterparts.
Rodrigo Lopez: 3.5
Lopez was especially disappointing, as it almost seemed as if the effort wasn't there. It was a relief to see the much more exciting Nimo replace him. (subbed at 54')
Forwards: 9
The offense didn't have many chances, but they were able to convert when it counted. The score could have easily been 2-0.
O.J. Obatola: 10
Instant Timbers Legend. Be honest, you probably didn't even know who this guy was and he walks off the field a hero. (subbed at 61', goal)
real fans we're already writing a song about him on the bus before the match
ReplyDeleteoooobatolaaaa, is the juice that we all loveeee... so put some o.j. in my cup, obatolaaaa
real fans wrote songs about oj before he was born!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteJust an FYI - it was Josten that made the assist, not Pore.
ReplyDeleteSources: Timbers web page, john Strong, TA at the match.
Cheers
I had thought it was Josten at the time, but the stat sheet I saw gave the assist to Pore, so I figured I had it wrong. I'll take out the Pore entry above so it's not confusing.
ReplyDelete