A lot of guys will get their first MLS away game agains Nashville this week. Portland really need to build on last weeks victory where they played better across the field and really seemed to have the base that the season will be built on figured out. It was only one match but when only two have been played we have to go off of what we have in front of us. Any result this week would be considered a success and the Green and Gold are up for it.
Timbers Last Match Recap
Last week Portland took down Austin FC at Providence Park 1-0 after an 89′ goal from Da Costa. Early in the match the Timbers were able to find several chances to put one away, mostly creating down the right side through Antony. In the 5′ Mora forced the Austin keeper into a good save that went behind for a corner and Da Costa and Antony seemed to have good chemistry. Around the 25′ Austin FC started to settle in and the game started to open up at both ends. Pantemis had to make a couple saves to keep things level. The match was pretty even with both teams looking for their opportunity to get teh go ahead goal. Former Timber Julio Cascante went down with an injury in the 40′ and the centerback would have to be subbed off forcing the visitors to use a substitution window earlier than they would have liked and even worse, they were down a starting centerback. 0-0 was the score going into the halftime break and even though Portland created some good chances early it seemed like Austin has the better chances.
The first 20 minutes of the second half saw Portland pickup 3 yellow cards, to Austin’s 0 during that span and the better chances were falling to Austin. Both teams would make changes to setup the final 20 minutes of the match. Chara and Kelsy would enter the match for Portland but it was more of the same. Timbers playing direct, lacking creativity and Pantemis shutting down Austin chances, determined to keep this thing level. Even though it had been a back and forth match with Austin getting the more dangerous chacnes after the first 20 minutes, Portland pressed forward, moving to what looked to me like a 3-5-2 late on knowing how valuable three points would be. If a goal was to be scored it was going to be from a set piece or defensive blunder. Enter Da Costa, Timbers are fouled left side of the box just below the 18 with a minute to go in regular time. Da Costa steps over the freekick, the Timbers Army right in front of him, and he whips a pacy, curling ball into the six. yard box. The ball sails just over a couple heads, the Austin keeper is frozen by all of the movement and the ball skips off the turf and into the right side of the net. Timber Joey fires up the chainsaw and Da Costa earns the first of many slabs.
Austin would get a late free kick and a somewhat nervy corner that the Timbers would deal with and see out a 1-0 victory at their home with the Army in full voice. Even though Portland was outshot 13-7 this defensive effort was night and day from the Vancouver match. The back 3 was solid and Da Costa has a performance to build from as he has big boots to fill.
Nashville Breakdown
Nashville SC will enter today 0-1-1 after and opening week draw with New England and a 2-0 to the Red Bulls of New York last week. Still searching for their first goal, they will be looking to prove something to their home fans on Matchday 3. Expect Nashville to play with 5 at the back, anchored by Walker Zimmerman. Edvard Tagseth is the guy to watch in the midfield, the 24 year old Norwegian is in his first season with Nashville and in MLS, moving on a free transfer from Rosenbog. While Hany Mukhtar has been the dangerman for Nashville in the past, Sam Surridge will be the attacker to watch out for. Expect a strong, clean defensive effort, that will allow their playmakers the space to create chances.
Timbers Preview & My Projected Lineup
The Timbers are still figuring out their identity but Neville seems to be figuring out what he wants out of his guys on the pitch. I do not expect a lot of chances coming off of the win last week but there should be a little movement. Portland has looked good on the counter and Antony has been able to work on the right, but it seems like they are too focused on forcing the ball his way at points. More equal distribution in the attack and finding ways to incorporate Da Costa will help Portland create more form the run of play.
GK – Coming off of a shutout I cannot fathom a reason to replace Pantemis. He had a solid performance and the best test of a goalkeeper is, did we win with him in net. I do not know if he is the Timbers keeper of the future but I do believe he is the one who should be featured this season. The backline seemed way better organized than on Matchday 1. If he can get an away result he will be close to solidifying himself as the man between the sticks.
Backline – Smith, McGraw and Surmamn had pretty great chemistry, neutralized Vasquez, and broke up counter attacks extremely well. I expect these three to hold down the back 3 in Nashville. Hany Mukhtar is dangerous on the counter and when given a half yard of space. Nashville is not an offensive powerhouse but they can get out on the counter. If these three can avoid taking an early yellow breaking up a Nashville chance they should stand a great chance of repeating last week’s shutout.
Midfield – Fory will continue as the hybrid left-mid/lefback and Antony will continue to roam the right side of the pitch. It is in the center of the park that seemed struggle last week. Ayala seems to be in favor with Neville but Ortiz was not great last week. I expect Chara to pair with Ayala this week.
Forwards – With injuries we are not deep up top. It is safe to say Da Costa has locked up a spot on the field. After two substitute appearances I think Kevin Kelsy will get his chance to feature up top in place of Mora. He was not great last week but I do not seen another option than to go with Lassiter. I hope he can find a way to be more positively involved against Nashville.
Through the Thirds
Defensive Third – A solid back three (looks like 4 with Fory at times) should continue to be the strength of the Timbers. Pantemis has built off of his appearances last season and should be able to hold his countrymen off to remain the starter. Playing primarily with a back three is allowing those three to focus on organized defending and halting counters. As long as Portland stays disciplined we will see them start building a good defensive record and the Vancouver match will be the exception.
Middle Third – Last week this area of the field was sloppy at times and it seemed to get bypassed in transitions. I am sure they have been drilling down and developing over the course of the week. The midfield grouping has not been cohesive with everyone understanding their role up to this point. This is very much to be expected with all of the new arrivals and the tactical adjustments we are seeing this season. If Portland can get up a goal on the road I would expect to see the two outside midfielders drop to create more of a back 5 look for Portland, possibly getting Bravo some more time on the field.
Attacking Third – In the run of play only Antony has looked regulary dangerous to create something. Da Costa had a brilliant freekick last week that won Portland the three points. A multiple goal match on the road would go a long way to erasing the shock of our opening match. Rodriguez and Moreno are still out and that does explain a lot of our issues scoring up front but even when they return it will take a couple matches to become fully fit. We have a talented enough group, they need to find a way to create big chances more often. Nashville is known for having a strong commitment to defense so putting them under pressure would be a huge step for the Green and Gold.
One big prediction – The timbers will break down the difficult Nashville defense for a first half goal.
Quickfire Headlines & Other Mentions
U19 Academy – Portland Timbers U19 squad is undefeated to start the 2025 season. At this point the Timber U19’s are 10-0 to kick off their season.
107ist – Now that the Timbers are hitting the road for some Away Days, you can find information about supporting the Timbers in enemy territory. The Away Day information is located here
If you are no already a member of the 107ist you can still join. There are many benefits but the best part about being part of this organization is you are joining a group that truly cares. Your membership goes to supporting the Timbers and more importantly so many community projects. You can get all the reasons why right here
Reach Out – We would love to highlight any volunteer work that the Army or any of the regional support groups have going on. Don’t hesitate to contact your events so we can help promote and bring positive attention to people doing positive things.
Thank You
This project is still coming together, but we would love to hear from you; we will have social media and other ways to contact and interact with our blog and podcast shortly. For now, if you have any questions we can answer, content you would like to see, or insight into anything Timbers, please reach us at piercecreation@gmail.com
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Onward Rose City!
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