Game Preview: On the Road Again, Timbers Head to St. Louis

Portland Timbers

VS

AC St Louis

Saturday, August 14th
7:00 pm @ Anheuser-Busch Park
Online Live @ PortlandTimbers.com/live
Radio on 95.5 The Game

After a series of disappointing efforts, the Portland Timbers (7-7-7, 28 pts) will have no choice but to regroup on the road as they head to Anheuser-Busch Park to take on AC St. Louis, then travel up north for a return match with the Minnesota Stars the following Saturday. Portland had to settle for a draw this past Wednesday at PGE Park in a physical game against the Stars, a match that in many ways has typified the Timber's season - controlling most of the match and outshooting opponents, but a costly mental breakdown or mistake ultimately proves to be the determining factor on the game's outcome. After putting together a 5 match unbeaten streak, the team's best stretch of the season, Portland is now winless in their last 4 games heading into the crucial final third of the schedule with the playoffs on the horizon.

Consistency has been an issue, not only in terms of lack of scoring, but also in the continuity of play on the field. Playing time and rotation has also been inconsistent, as Coach Gavin Wilkinson has tinkered and tried out different players virtually all season in an attempt to find the right solution for the team's problems. With the recent signing of forward Ibad Muhamadu the Timber's hope to increase their offensive fire power, but on the other hand it simply means another player that Coach Wilkinson will have to work into the rotation and find minutes for. Will the Timber's be able to integrate a new player into their system with the playoffs fast approaching? How does this potentially effect chemistry? Offensively, the team needs to find a comfort zone, play with more rhythm and patience in order to control possession and create better scoring chances. Of course, it's not just as simple as it may sound. What do you think?

Timber's fan Doug, summed up the team's offensive woes well in a comment after Wednesday night's draw:

Inevitably this years performance will be compared to last seasons great run of unbeaten games. The difference in my mind is that we played the ball on the ground a lot more last year than this, holding possession longer and looking for the fast break. This year has seemed more about the hopeful high ball, whether it be out of the back line or from the midfield to a break away forward, the chances of keeping possession with a high lofted ball are smaller than with a ball played on the deck. Secondly, we need to support the player with the ball more. Too many times, when our player does corral a loose ball, he's left on his own to battle against 2-3 opposition players, rather than getting support, thus leaving him few options for quality distribution.

As for leaders on the field, the style of play is dictated by the training, and this years team doesn't appear to be coached as well as last years.

At times last night, Minnesota gave us a lesson on possession play. Until we learn to maintain possession and not just hoof every ball forward in the hope that it bounces in our favor, we won't achieve a fraction of last years success.

Defense will also be a concern. Portland has given up 9 goals in their last 5 matches. For a team that is built around its defensive mentality, this is an alarming statistic. To complicate the matter, defender and team captain Ian Joy will be forced to sit out against St Louis due to the red card infraction he received against Minnesota this past Wednesday. Here's where the Timber's depth really comes into play. Somebody will need to step up. Who will it be? Coach Wilkinson has few ways he could go. Veteran Scot Thompson has only made 9 appearances this year and was not on the active roster for the team's last road trip, but his experience makes him the stable choice.

"Scot's a huge part of this team, a great player, and a phenomenal person overall," Said Coach Wilkinson about the longest tenured member of the Timber's roster. "He's a leader through the way that he plays and a leader through the way he organizes."

Coach Wilkinson could go another route, however, instead opting to go with younger talent such as Quavas Kirk, a starter earlier in the season, but has slipped out of the rotation because of injuries and consistent play. Steve Purdy has played well in recent weeks, so don't be surprised if he gets the start. Younger veterans such as Stephen Keel and Ross Smith are other likely options to make the road trip as well.

"(It's a matter of) how many defender's do you want to carry?" Said Wilkinson. "If we're looking to build for next year, (essentially) we're looking at younger players that can have a career in the MLS for the next 7-8 years."

Expansion team AC St. Louis (5-10-6, 21 pts) is currently tied for 10th place in the league and struggling in their attempt to make the playoffs their first year as franchise. Portland will be looking for redemption after being dominated by St. Louis in a 3-0 loss on July 28th, the start of the current 4 game winless streak. Despite their recent struggles, this is a game the Timbers should win. The team needs to build momentum in order to make a deep run in the postseason. With only 9 games left before the playoffs, the time for excuses and explanations are over.

** Paul will be in St. Louis and in attendance for Saturday's match. He'll be writing about his experience as a Timber's fan on the road. He's looking forward to being in Anheuser-Busch Land and I'm looking forward to reading about his adventures. Look for it to be a part of our postgame report this weekend.