The Portland Timbers (9-7-7, 34pts) have now taken over sole possession of 4th place in the overall league standings with a 1-0 win over the NCS Minnesota Stars on Saturday evening. The Timbers went undefeated on their 2-game road trip, starting with a 1-0 win against AC St Louis last weekend and with the playoffs just over a month away, this could signal the start of the team gathering some real momentum before the season finishes.A physical and intensely contested game, both sides played like they knew what was at stake. 28 fouls were committed in total by both clubs, a handful of yellow cards, and a red card that would eventually decide the game. For much of the 1st half, Minnesota would control the possession and tempo of the match, outshooting Portland 6-2 and creating the more dangerous opportunities. The Timbers would show some life near the end of the first half, but the match would go into the locker room tied at nil-nil.
The 2nd half was a different story for Portland. The club came out with more aggression, their passes sharper and their offense more cohesive. Portland outshot the Stars 5-4 in the 2nd half, nearly scoring on a couple occasions, and their pressure would eventually pay-off around the 63rd minute, when forward Bright Dike brought down a loose ball and busted his way past two Minnesota defenders at midfield. Dike charged down the field with defenders trailing him, one-on-one with the Star's keeper Joe Warren. Just as Dike crossed into the box, Warren recklessly tackled him to the ground and was handed a red card by the official. Another great play by Bright Dike, his relentless effort and will to press forward has become something the Timbers can really lean on in recent weeks.
Ryan Pore would knock in the ensuing penalty kick in the 68th minute, his lead-leading 13th goal of the year, and the Timbers would take a 1-0 lead. A man down for the rest of the match, Minnesota battled for the equalizer, but ultimately, the Timbers would have enough to hang on. Portland wins the season series with the Stars 2-1-1 and Minnesota (7-11-7, 28pts) now drops to 7th place in the overall league standings.
Backup goalkeeper Matt Pyzdrowski got the start for the Timbers tonight, ending Steve Cronin's 51-game regular season start streak. Pyzdrowski played well in his first full 90 minutes of league-play recording 3 saves and earning his 1st shutout of the regular season. No word of any injury or other issues with Cronin. It's likely Coach Gavin Wilkinson simply felt the need to give Pyzdrowski some on-field action, just in case there's a scenario where he's called upon in the playoffs. In any case, it's certainly an indication of this team's depth.
Another observation - the Timber's were outplayed in the 1st half and most of their problems seemed to start in the midfield, mainly not being able to control possession long enough to create scoring opportunities. However, when Taka Suzuki subbed in the 2nd half, Portland was noticeably more patient and successful at initiating offense through the middle. I can recall at least a couple plays where Taka would receive a pass with a defender on his back, maintain possession and then relieve the pressure (sometimes to his backline). For young soccer fans, this can serve as a lesson that the right pass isn't always forward, sometimes passing back and keeping possession is the best option. It's pretty hard for a team to find a rhythm if they don't keep the ball first.
Overall, I'd say the Timbers should feel pretty fortunate to leave Minnesota with 3 points. Before the red card, the Stars controlled most of the match and took more shots on goal, but it was Portland that came away with the win. And often, the shoe's been on the other foot for the Timbers this season. With 7 games left in the regular season, every match-up has a magnified importance the rest of the way. Portland is now riding a 2 game win streak as they head back to the Northwest for a 3 game home stand at PGE Park, their last 3 home games of the season. Portland will host the Austin Aztecs at 7pm, Thursday at PGE Park.
* Ross Smith also left the field near the end of the 1st half, apparently from an injury or possibly a re-aggravation of a previous injury.
== Box Score==
A good report Kevin and well pointed out on the roll that Taka played as well. We were certainly lucky to get a way with three points, and only did so on the merit of a great fast break by Dike. However, has anybody else noticed Dike's tendency to get too close to the keeper on a break away, often leaving it too late for a clear shot. We've seen this several times and last night he got lucky when the keeper pulled him down as it looked like he'd pushed the ball too far left to get a shot off.
ReplyDeleteThoughts anybody?
I think it goes along with Dike's mentality as a player. He's head down and push forward, that's his style. Dike is gonna come right at you and force something to happen. I like it.
ReplyDeleteI think Taka playing in the midfield is great and as long as Dike is makin things happen that's all that matters baby. Dike keeps defenses on their heels, you could argue he's been our mvp in the 2nd half of the season. I like how things are coming together. Awesome win for the Timbers, can't wait for Austin!
ReplyDeleteI like Taka in the midfield, his ability to hold and move the ball in traffic helps. Dike's goal against Minnesota at home this month was a great an excellent goal, two men on pull the ball out of the air and finish. Three touches to him self and makes it happen. I like seeing fewer touches, but Bright pulled that goal out of thin air and it has to be a top 5 for the year.
ReplyDeleteThere's a group from Austin coming up for Thursday's match against the Timbers. Looking forward to it, as you guys have the best fan environment in the league. Looking forward to seeing the impact on MLS.
ReplyDeleteBTW, one small correction. It's spelled A-Z-T-E-X.
Hi Matthew, good to hear some Aztex fans are coming to town for this important match. Thanks for the compliment and we like to misspell other team's names. It makes us feel like superior fans, yet inferior spellers.
ReplyDeleteFrankly, Suzuki's about the only Timber with any patience in the midfield. And after watching Japan and So. Korea this past summer at WC, I can see where that type of discipline is ingrained. I can only hope that Gavin keeps an open mind and keeps an eye on some of the talent over there that might be a steal to build with. This team will need some speed with good control in the mid to compete at MLS and that definitely fits the Asian style of soccer I've seen lately.
ReplyDeleteMathew - sorry about the misspell, I should know better, but it was late. It's good to see the success you guys have had down there, keep growing soccer in Austin. If you're looking for a pint before the match, Bullpen is a nice hole in the wall across from PGE.
ReplyDeleteI feel like the Timber's midfield is still trying to find itself and with only 7 games left that's not the best thought to have. That being said, I think still think Taka can help this team the most from the midfield, but it'll be interesting to see how much impact Kalif Alhassan will have on the rotation this week.