Author: Phuoc Nguyen

Name Pronunciation: Fook Win

Family, Friends, and Sports!

Storyteller at Rose City Review
Portland Timbers of MLS
Portland Thorns of the NWSL
Professional Tennis - ATP & WTA

Twitter @Phuocerman

Categories
Soccer Timbers

Takeaways: Portland Timbers 1, St.Louis City 2

Zac McGraw against St. Louis FC on March 11 at Providence Park. Photo taken by Kris Lattimore.
Zac McGraw against St. Louis FC on Mar. 11 at Providence Park. Photo by Kris Lattimore.

After a 2-3 defeat at LAFC, the Portland Timbers faced off against MLS’s newest expansion side, St. Louis City SC. The Missouri side came into the game undefeated, with victories over Austin FC and Charlotte FC.

In a game the Timbers could have won, they were left with no points and a home defeat. The injury list continues to pile up and their identity continues to be a mystery.

With the Timbers bringing a makeshift lineup into the game, there were a lot of questions and concerns. Still, they saw the return of Claudio Bravo and the first start for Nathan Fogaça in 2023.

One of the biggest question marks is the identity of this Timbers side: Who are they? Unfortunately for Portland, St. Louis knew the answer.

St. Louis has capitalized on mistakes early this season, and this game was no different. Their side is physical, tough, and opportunistic. As a result of their ability to grit out results, they’re currently the only 3-0-0 team in MLS.

St Louis City head coach Bradley Carnell said the club has spent preseason trying to prepare their players for MLS. “We played a very competitive opponents in pre-season,” he said. “We’ve been committed to a style of play for over a year now. We’ve had a very committed group of guys and this style of play is not easy. It demands a lot of commitment, not just to the philosophy but to each other as a teammate.”

The takeaways were plentiful, but I broke it down into a few.

Injuries and Officiating

With Evander less than 100%, Portland opted to insert Cristhian Paredes in the game. Sadly, that plan quickly went awry, as the Timbers were forced to make a change in the 11th minute, with Evander coming in for Paredes.

Timbers head coach Gio Savarese said the team was “very unlucky” in terms of injuries. “We felt maybe that we still had our group to put a fight, and all of a sudden this first sprint [Paredes] gets injured,” Savarese said. He said this is the team’s second hamstring injury—the previous being to Yimmi Chará—though he is optimistic that Paredes’ is less severe.

“And then we have this situation with Evander during the week,” Savarese said. “He couldn’t train, and then we were able to make it to the game. In the game, he was feeling a little bit of groin tightness, and we didn’t want to risk in any way to get another injured player.” Saverese said the move to sub Evander out in the 69th minute was a reflection of that precaution.

“We’re very thin,” he said, “but we still have to continue to work a good fight.”

The officiating allowed physical play throughout the game without much repercussion. In a game with five yellow cards, head official Victor Rivas could have set the tone way earlier. Portland was very fortunate to not have more injuries.

St. Louis won 61.6% of duels, while the Timbers only won 38.7%. To make matters even worse, the Timbers only had nine tackles with four won, compared to St. Louis’ 29 and 17 won.

Nathan Fogaça started his first game of 2023 for the Portland Timbers versus St. Louis City SC on March 11.Photo Taken by Kris Lattimore.
Nathan Fogaça starts vs. St. Louis City SC on Mar. 11. Photo by Kris Lattimore.
Fogaça for Niezgoda 

Fogaça has provided a much-needed spark in the Timbers’ attack in each opportunity he’s received this season. He continues to have an insane work rate and relentlessness that is unmatched by any other Timber on the frontline.

Fogaça allows the Timbers to play their press higher up and consistently throughout the game, but he also has the ability to open lanes in the counterattack. This was evident early in Saturday’s match, when Fogaça almost put one away in the second minute.

The Timbers have not been able to find their trademark counterattacking this season, and it showed again this game. If they are going to sit back and counter, it has to be way better.

Fogaça should be the starter moving forward, unless another option presents. He gives them the best chance to win right now.

Jarosław Niezgoda could very well regain his finishing form, but it needs to come soon; unfortunately for Portland, he has not looked like himself this season.

CB1 and FB1: Zac McGraw and Juan Mosquera
JDM against St. Louis City SC on March 11.Photo taken by Kris Lattimore.
JDM against St. Louis City SC on Mar. 11. Photo by Kris Lattimore.

Going into the year, the Timbers’ backline was a question mark, with Juan David Mosquera and Zac McGraw being two notable exceptions. Mosquera and McGraw continue to be the two bright spots on the team.

Against St. Louis, McGraw scored his second ever goal in third minute off a beautiful corner kick by Eryk Williamson, and Mosquera routinely created chances and dominated the right side of the pitch.

Backline Changes and More of the Same

After Timbers rolled out a traditional four-back for the first two games, Savarese threw a changeup to St. Louis in the form of five defenders. The new formation allows the Timbers to maximize their attacking fullbacks in Bravo and Mosquera.

By replacing an attacker in the starting XI, the Timbers were also able to add veteran Larrys Mabiala as the third center back.

What does this formation not solve? Their set piece defending. In the 75th minute, the Portland Timbers surrendered another one, conceding their second goal of the match. If this team wants to finish in the top half of the table, this needs to be cleaned up.

Still, we must give credit to St. Louis; they played this game on their terms and made sure the Timbers were particularly ineffective coming forward.

Missing: Portland Timbers

What is this team’s identity? Where is the counterattack? Where are the dynamic runs? Where is the creativity?

Whatever product the Timbers are putting out on the pitch right now is not good enough, and there’s absolutely no rhythm to it. Portland has a lot of soul searching to do before the results start pouring in.

They can’t move forward until these questions are solved.

Standouts

Zac McGraw Opened his scoring account for 2023 and has been the best CB for Portland.

Juan David Mosquera continues to be excellent moving forward and helping on defense. As always, he was dominating the right side of the pitch and even paced the team with four chances created.

Santi Moreno led the team in four shots, with one shot on goal, and two tackles.

Santi Moreno against St. Louis on March 11.Photo taken by Kris Lattimore.
Santi Moreno against St. Louis on Mar. 11. Photo by Kris Lattimore.
Bonus Stat

On a positive note, Portland has somehow continued to find the back of the net consistently:

 

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Soccer Thorns

All Paths Aren’t the Same

Photo and edit by Nikitia Taparia.
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Soccer Timbers

Takeaways: Timbers 1, Sporting KC 0

Zac McGraw put on a masterclass at CB for the Portland Timbers in their 1-0 season opening win at Providence Park.
Zac McGraw put on a masterclass at CB for the Portland Timbers in their 1-0 season opening win at Providence Park. Photo by Matthew Wolfe.

After a snow-delayed start to their 2023 season, the Portland Timbers escaped with a 1-0 regular season opener win Monday night against a talented Sporting Kansas City side.

The match was the first season opening win under Portland head coach Gio Savarese and team’s first since 2017.

The victory came at the foot of right back Juan David Mosquera, who tallied the lone goal of the match in the sixth minute.

The score does not tell the entire story. This game proved it more than others.

Brr, It’s Cold in Here!

The originally scheduled home opener was postponed due to the snow storm. Instead of a weekend opener, the Portland Timbers hosted Sporting KC for Monday Night Football.

Thankfully, the Portland staff and crew made sure the field was cleared and the game was playable. We owe them all a huge round of applause and our gratitude.

The More Things Stay the Same,  the More They Change?

Heading into the season, the Timbers returned primarily the same roster they had in 2022, with only three new starters on opening day. Evander, the highest paid transfer in team history at $10 million, was tasked with combining with midfield stars Eryk Williamson and Diego Chará to hopefully return Portland’s unit to elite status. The other two changes came in defense: After trading center back Bill Tuiloma and moving on from right back José Van Rankin, rising star center back Zac McGraw and last season’s transfer Mosquera are now starters. They are hoping to improve a backline that gave up the 11th-most goals in MLS in 2022.

Elite Midfield? Not just yet, but soon.

When El Maestro, Diego Valeri, departed from the Timbers before the 2022 season, he left a legacy in the center of the pitch. Evander has been hyped as the team’s next magician in midfield.

Evander made his Portland Timbers regular season debut versus Sporting KC. Credit: Matthew Wolfe
Evander made his Portland Timbers regular season debut versus Sporting KC. Photo by Matthew Wolfe.

His debut was tough sledding. Evander was not able to get into a rhythm, and it showed. However, he put energy into his defending. His commitment to that end should excite everyone. Even if the game is unable to find him, he’s shown a commitment to being a difference maker.

If this is an “off game,” he still led the team in duels, dribbles, successful dribbles, and possession won.

Savarese described Evander’s night as “a performance of a player that just arrived in a new league, a performance of a player that, at the beginning, was finding and looking to try to be involved in the game.”

Savarese said Evander found “really special moments” in the game’s second half, even if they didn’t all go Portland’s way. “But I think for me, the most important thing is how much he ran for the team,” Savarese said, “how much he put work to make sure that we got a win. And for me, that’s so important […] He has those moments, and he’ll be able to provide it the more he’s going to adapt, the more that he’s going to play, the fitter he’s going to get. But he ran for the team today, and that is something you feel is very important from a player of his caliber. Very proud of him, very proud of the group. I’m excited for what is coming in the future from him.”

Williamson is at his best when he has the freedom to sit next to Chará and roam all the way up next to Jarosław Niezgoda. In the first 15 minutes, he was able to do that.

Once Sporting KC made a commitment to press and look for the equalizer, Portland’s entire XI was pinned back defending. Williamson was phenomenal on the ball and was one of the only players who seemed comfortable playmaking and beating the press.

Chará is the most consistent No. 6 in MLS, and he brought it on the defensive end. He led the team in interceptions, blocks, and tackles won, reliable as ever in the opener.

Just one game in, it’s clear the midfield of Evander, Williamson, and Chará is going to improve with more time to build chemistry and rapport. They are going to be the key to Portland’s season this year.

Juan Mosquera scores his first Timbers goal in the 2023 regular season home opener versus Sporting KC. Credit: Matthew Wolfe
Juan Mosquera scores his first Timbers goal in the 2023 regular season home opener versus Sporting KC. Photo by Matthew Wolfe.

Where Will the Goals Come From?

Last year proved that the Timbers can rely on every single player on the team to score goals. This game was no different. If the Timbers are going to be a top team in MLS—as is their hope—everyone will need to contribute.

The game’s only goal belonged to  Juan David Mosquera.

“It was a great feeling to be able to help the team,” Mosquera said after the match,” because of course with the goal we were able to get the first three points of the year. I just hope to keep going that way. To me, the most important thing is to be able to help the team.”

Next week at LAFC, it most likely will be another hero.

Don’t be surprised if the team has a bunch of 5+ goal scorers this year. This team will be one that has a goals-by-committee approach.

How Did the Backline Look?

Portland’s defense was missing Claudio Bravo, who was brave going forward and a willing defender in 2022. He is one of the best left backs in MLS—a tall order for the Timbers to replace this game.

Bravo had a career year in 2022, when he led the team in tackles won with 77. He also paced the Timbers last season in interceptions, touches, and duels won.

Only one issue: He is still not 100%.

Justin Rasmussen was inserted in the starting XI in place of Bravo, and it didn’t go so well.

Fresh off appearances for the Colombian National Team, Mosquera was ready to make the right back position his this season. After only making three appearances—and two starts—for the Timbers in 2022, he was determined to make the most of the opening day start for the club.

Mosquera took almost no time to make his mark. Known for his attacking prowess from the fullback position, Mosquera lived up to the hype. In the sixth minute, he scored his first career goal for Portland.

After a shaky start—including a a yellow card in the 26th minute—Dario Župarić was clinical. He came up huge when his name was called upon. At one point, Župarić even dove head first to snuff an attack and paid the price. Amazingly, he stayed in the game and battled the rest of the evening.

David Bingham was solid and came up clutch throughout the game. He had a crucial double save in the 24th minute, which would set the tone the rest of the night.

Zac McGraw was excellent in defense: numerous chances denied, hit solid passes, and great marking. Every time Sporting KC got close to scoring, McGraw was ready. There isn’t a center back in the MLS with more upside. With former Timbers legend and current coach Liam Ridgewell by his side, he is poised to have a career year.

And starting off the season by holding Kansas City scoreless is right in line with that trajectory.

“That’s what you take pride in,” McGraw said of the Timbers’ clean sheet. “Try to limit shots, limit their shots on goal, at the end of the day get a shut out. Because if you get a shutout, we did our job, so it’s up to the offense to take care of their job. Obviously Mosquera, a defender, made that goal so just all-around good performance from the defensive line.”

This backline is going to improve immensely this season and it’ll get even better with the return of Bravo in a few weeks. The early signs are encouraging and exciting.

The Impact of an Incomplete Starting XI

The Portland Timbers played without starting left back Claudio Bravo and goalkeeper Aljaž Ivačič ,while Santiago Moreno also started on the bench.

The team did not have a full complement of first team players, and it showed for stretches of the game. Portland had a lot of bad giveaways, sloppy passes, and misconnections.

Sporting KC dominated possession by 58% to 42%. Their press wreaked havoc on the Timbers’ attack. If we’re being completely honest, they were the better side. Kansas City were very unlucky not to get a result.

“We were all over [Portland] in the second half,” Sporting KC head coach Peter Vermes said. “We created some good chances in the first half, as well as the second half. We couldn’t find it, but the effort, the desire, the passion, everything was there in the game. Other than the mistake on the first goal, I thought we had it. Outside of that, the team played well.”

The frontline duo of Marvin Loría, Niezgoda, and Yimmi Chará seemed out of touch and off their games. However, Loría’s work rate was phenomenal, and he still put in a fantastic shift.

Niezgoda’s conversion rate plummeted in 2022, and the early hopes of a rebound season do not look good. He got in good positions, but the first touch let him down all game. Y. Chará assisted on Mosquera’s goal and was subbed off later on with an apparent hamstring injury. Savarese said it will be weeks before he returns.

Santi Moreno checked in for Y. Chará in the 33rd minute.

The midfield of Evander, Williamson, and D. Chará looked exceptional for the first 15 minutes but had to focus on covering defensively for the remainder of the game. They had moments, but moving forward they’ll need to more. Portland will need to play on the front foot and counterattack more often if they want to take advantage of their midfield.

We must give credit where it’s due, to the Portland Timbers defense, especially from the backline. The entire team put in massive amount of effort to make sure the score ended in their favor. Many of the standouts were on that backline.

Standouts: Stock up!

Player of the Match: Zac McGraw

McGraw has all the talent in the world and led the the backline to a shutout of Sporting KC side who did everything they could to get a result at Providence Park.

He put on a masterclass at center back and led the team with six aerial duels won and two blocks and was second with four tackles.

Juan David Mosquera:

What a game by JDM!

He led the team in touches, goals, tackles, and tackles won. Don’t be surprised if Europe comes calling sooner rather than later.

David Bingham:

After starting in place of star goalkeeper Aljaž Ivačič, Bingham absolutely came up clutch and commanded his backline well.

He came up with four huge saves to preserve the clean sheet.

Eryk Williamson:

There are no players in MLS who can do what Williamson does. The USMNT is calling because of his ability to play world class soccer. He led the midfield in passing accuracy and chances created, which should be a common occurrence this season.

Santi Moreno:

Even though he didn’t start, Moreno came on and made a difference.

He led the team in chances created and passes in the final third. He also contributed three successful dribbles, two tackles, and eight possessions won.

Just another day at the office for him.

Head coach Gio Savarese:

Savarese is now the winningest head coach in club history with 69 victories. He continues to find ways to win with this club each season. Congrats to Gio!

Categories
Soccer Thorns

Spoiler Alert: 2023 is the Year of Sam Coffey

Photo by Kris Lattimore.

Sam Coffey was drafted in 2021 by the Portland Thorns. She was the 12th pick overall from Penn State University and an attacking midfielder. In a class where Emily Fox and Trinity Rodman were selected with the first two picks, Coffey has become the absolute steal of the 2021 draft.

At the time, former head coach Mark Parsons praised Coffey’s ability to pass and score and her skill in the final third. At the draft, he described her as a  “difference-maker, can pass and shoot.”

If you look at the modern game, can dribble, who can twist and turn,” he said. “We’ve lacked some of that, you know, the last couple of years.”

He also believed Coffey was pro-ready—despite the fact that she chose to take advantage of an extra COVID-19 season Penn State before joining the Thorns in 2022. “That dynamic ability was key bringing in Sam, who’s going to have an immediate impact,” Parsons said. “This is someone who can be a difference maker in the final third.”

After Angela Salem’s retirement after the Thorns’ 2021 campaign and Lindsey Horan’s loan to OL, Portland was looking at a possible rebuild in midfield heading into the 2022 season.

Thorns general manager Karina LeBlanc and then-head coach Rhian Wilkinson put on a roster-building masterclass. Enter rookie Sam Coffey and NWSL newcomer Hina Sugita. Wilkinson was brilliant to see that Coffey had a chance to be a world-class No. 6 for her squad.

Brilliant Rookie Season

In Coffey’s first season, she was named to the NWSL Best XI first team, earned four caps for the USWNT, was nominated for rookie of the year, and was crucial all season in Portland’s NWSL championship run.

Photo by Kris Lattimore.

The Rose City Review recently spent some time talking to Coffey about her 2022:

On keys to her immediate success at her new position and how much support she received throughout last season.

Coffey: “There were a lot of keys. One of [the] biggest ones for me is the belief of the people around me and the support of the people around me. When you’re a [No.] 6 on a team like this, they make my job a lot easier. They were so encouraging and helpful—and still are—in my development and learning of this role.

“I can’t even put into words what that feels like, and how comforting [it is] to know that I’m looking from my left to my right and seeing the class all around me. I think just having a real growth mindset with it; I’m not going to get it perfect, I’m still learning.

“I am still learning. It’s not going to be this constant uphill progression. Rhian used to always encourage me to get a PhD in this position, and I love that language, like a student. I’m just trying to learn about it every day, get better at it every day. I’m not going to have it all, all the time.

“There are going to be areas I need to improve, there are going to be bumps, just like this month has presented. Definitely a bump in the road, but I am so confident that it’ll serve and help me, make me a better player, better person, better competitor, and I’m just really excited to experience that.”

Photo by Kris Lattimore.
The Bump in the Road

USWNT head coach Vlatko Andonovski’s roster for the 2023 SheBelieves Cup somehow managed to omit Sam Coffey from that list. Andonovski has said that he believes Coffey should be considered an NWSL MVP candidate. She was arguably the best defensive midfielder in the NWSL in 2022 and should have been a lock for the Women’s World Cup in Australia/New Zealand.

On the omission from the 2023 SheBelieves Cup and doing everything she can to make the WWC roster.

Coffey: “Obviously, I am disappointed not to be in camp, but I think this presents a really good opportunity for me to fine-tune areas of my game. Even seeing me out here with Vytas [Assistant Coach and former Portland Timber Defender], working on different areas of my game that need some refinement, like aerial challenges, 50/50 balls, being more aggressive. So, I think, I’m really viewing this time as an opportunity to address those things, but like you said it’s my dream to go.

“I want to serve and be on that team. I want to be there, and I believe I’m good enough to be there. I don’t think I need to do anything differently. I’m going to continue and try grow and be my best self. But I think taking this time reflecting and fine-tuning different areas of my game [to the] best of my ability is a good place to start. I just want to continue to be who I am, be authentic to me, just continue to grow during this process.”

If there’s extra motivation for her.

Coffey: “Yeah, I’d say I already have intense fire burning without a setback like that. Of course, it’s all motivation, all fuel for me. Again, I think it does give me an opportunity to even mentally, physically, spiritually reflect and address things that I need time to address and to watch those games. Obviously, cheer the team on, but watch it tactically, watch it from a perspective of how I can improve and how I can just stay locked in and focus on what the group’s doing.

“I would say of course it does light a fire, but I want this more than anything. I’m going to do whatever it takes to get there.”

2023: The Year of Sam Coffey on the USWNT

Whether everyone likes it or not, Coffey should make the World Cup team in 2023. It would be colossal failure to have her wait until 2027.

Coffey is the best distributor in the USWNT pool, and it’s not close. She is an elite quarterback at the position and is able to keep control of the ball with her dribbling, quick thinking, turns, and world-class ability to read her opponent’s defense.

Andi Sullivan is the only other true No. 6 on the USWNT roster and is a very fine option. Still, Sullivan and Coffey are two completely different players, and it’s great to have as options depending on the matchup. Having these two players rotate at the World Cup would be the best case scenario for the USWNT.

As Andonovski continues to experiment with Taylor Kornieck at the No. 6 just months before the WWC, it’s obviously there’s not enough time for her to master a new position. It’s also very apparent that the role is not where she is most effective on the pitch.

“I don’t see her in that light for us,” San Diego Wave head coach Casey Stoney said when asked about Kornieck’s role with the national team. “I think we’d be taking away her strengths if she played as an isolated six.”

Photo by Kris Lattimore.

That brings us back to Coffey, who is one of the most naturally gifted No. 6s. In most cycles, she would be a lock for the USWNT—and probable starter.

Still, she’ll look to start the NWSL season off blazing hot and force Andonovski’s hand in her favor.

With a year of league play under her belt, Coffey will be trying to pad the stat sheet this season—adding to her two assists and one goal in 2022. She has already taken most of the set pieces for the club, and has continually improved.

“I think she’ll keep growing,” Thorns head coach Mike Norris said. “She’s young. She’s got the hunger and desire.”

Coffey rarely makes any mistakes, has a field vision that is utterly remarkable, and picks out difficult passes with ease. Expect her to be even sharper, more dangerous, and more influential for the Thorns in 2023—from defense and distribution to playmaking as a passer and scorer.

It’ll be a tough game for anyone trying to defend against Coffey in the NWSL this season—and hopefully we’ll be able to say the same about players going up against her on the international stage.

Categories
Soccer Timbers

The Next Timbers Superstar

Photo by Matthew Wolfe.

Timbers midfielder Eryk Williamson is ready to terrorize defenders this season.

“Last year, I was able to make the final pass,” he says, “Continuing that, I can always get better at that, but it’s a fact of also finishing.” He’s hoping to change that in 2023—and to continue to grow as a box-to-box midfielder, working in tandem with Diego Chará. 

Williamson’s ambition of becoming an even more complete player for Portland feels in line with his trajectory since he joined the team in 2018.

A Star is Born

On January 23, 2018 the Portland Timbers made a rather under-the-radar move to acquire the MLS Homegrown Player rights from D.C. United. In turn, they gave up $100,000 in 2018 general allocation money, $100,000 in 2019 targeted allocation money, a 2018 international spot, and a second-round pick in the 2020 MLS SuperDraft. Portland used those Homegrown Player rights to pick up a player who had spent three years at the University of Maryland and been on the USYNT scene.

Williamson joined a team with a legacy of superstar talent in the center of the park. From Chará to Diego Valeri to Sebastián Blanco and Darlington Nagbe, outstanding star power has always been present in the Timbers midfield.

In a year that halted sports—and life—across the globe for months and months, Portland managed to find a bright spot. The Timbers’ 2020 MLS season was the chance for Williamson to show off his ability, and did he ever. After getting his first taste of MLS by making seven appearances in 2019, he balled out in 2020, playing in 26 games and tallying three goals and six assists.

The Timbers had found their future star.

Williamson has shown himself to be an absolute playmaker for Portland and the USMNT when given the chance to be himself. He sees the game with elite eyes and picks out passes that are, frankly, ridiculous, with an insanely high degree of difficulty. The way he plays soccer is one that reminds you what is so special about this sport. It’s about being unique and true to who you are.

Williamson is a gamechanger, with moments of brilliance that can alter the momentum of a game.

Nothing is Ever Easy

By 2021, Williamson had cemented himself as a key part of the club’s core and future—and he was also finally in the USMNT discussion.

He made his senior national team debut in July 2021 in the Gold Cup against Haiti, helping the team to a tournament title. But on August 29, 2021, against the rival Seattle Sounders, Williamson suffered a season-ending ACL injury. 

Everything had to be put on hold. 

Williamson attacked rehab with intentions to make it back on the pitch better than ever. He worked tirelessly to make his triumphant return after seven months (or 210 days), but wasn’t able to make it back into the national team mix ahead of the 2022 World Cup. 

“To be somewhat in the conversation is a good feeling,” he says of the beginning of 2023. But he wants to cement himself as a regular on the USMNT. 

“I’m not satisfied with it,” Williamson says. “It’s an honor to wear the crest, and I think I want to do it on the biggest stage. The only way to do it is to continue to push. Knowing that I’m lucky enough to wear the crest, I’ve been able to wear it a couple games. It’s getting that first go-around out of the system and making sure it’s a consistent performance for the national team, but also here.”

If the Timbers are able to rebound from last year’s disappointment and be in the MLS Cup chase this year, Williamson will be a catalyst for their ascent. 

It’s about “being a player we can’t go without,” Williamson says. “Try to make sure I can play 90 minutes every game and continue to help guys around me. Also, just gel with the midfield we have. We have a lot of talented players, lot of pieces that we brought back, few pieces we brought in. It’s exciting.”

Better Than Ever

Portland made their biggest full transfer in club history this offseason by acquiring Brazilian midfielder Evander from the Danish club FC Midtjylland.

The move puts Evander, Williamson, and Chará in the position to be an elite midfield and one of the best in MLS.

“It’s honestly scary,” Williamson says. “Diego is Diego. You know what he is going to bring, but he has added this attacking side as well. Evander is the new piece that we started to fit in. We want it to be where guys can’t stop us, they can’t defend us, and making sure that we are beating teams with not only talent, but how hard we are working off the ball, too. 

“I know we can learn from each other,” he says. “We all have different pieces that gel it all together, which is exciting.”

After an offseason focused on decompressing without the pressures of rehab, Williamson is rearing to go. “I’m flying,” he says. “It’s the best I’ve felt in a preseason. 

“That’s kind of the biggest thing for me: making sure that my body and mind was in a good place to start this year,” he says, “knowing that the comeback story is just starting. It’s good to be back with the national team, but [I’m] not satisfied with just one call up—trying to make it a regular thing.”

He’s also focused on “performing here, with Portland, and making sure that we are a top three team in the West.”

In the Timbers’ preseason game against the LA Galaxy, Williamson is already showing off his incredible talent. He was brilliant with his connecting play and had two assists.

He’s going to have a monster year.

And maybe, we’ll get to see the return of the brilliant journalist William Erykson, who made a memorable reporting debut for the Alexander Times at the Portland Thorns’ 2022 NWSL Championship media day. 

“I think we have a few things brewing,” says Erykson.

Categories
Soccer Timbers

A Star in the Making

Zac McGraw starts for Portland Timbers in their 2-1 win over Atlanta United at Providence Park. Photo by Kris Lattimore
Zac McGraw starts for Portland Timbers in their 2-1 win over Atlanta United at Providence Park - Photographer: Kris Lattimore
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Categories
Not Soccer Tennis

Australian Open Preview: Tennis is Back!

Iga and Rafa at the 'Tennis Plays for Peace' event at the US Open. Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images
Rafa, Iga, and other ATP + WTA stars unite for 'Tennis Plays for Peace' at the US Open. Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

Love means nothing in tennis, but tennis means love to me. This sport has given me so much and always been there for me. As long as I can remember, I have been a fan. When I got my first job, I used my first paycheck to to buy a racket. I’ve played competitively over half my life. I’ve been a tennis coach for a decade.

Tennis is a work of art, a song you can’t get out of your side—and a fun one. There’s nothing like it. Everyone in tennis starts with blank canvases or blank piece of paper, but it turns into a masterpiece or hit. It has never been just a sport; tennis has always been more than that. Thank you for the people in my life, teaching me values, and to appreciate everything I have.

In 2019 I went to the Australian Open for the first time. There was never a time I was happier or felt more at home. Every fan spoke tennis terminology, loved the sport, and clapped the same way.

In 2020, work consumed all of my time. I didn’t have time for anything or anybody. I wanted to be left alone. There didn’t seem to be anything that could change my mind. Luckily, there was something telling me to return to paradise. Right when I landed in Melbourne, all those feelings came rushing back.

Thank you to the AO for making me fall in love with tennis again, but waking me up to everything is that important to me.

Phuoc takes a photo outside the Melbourne Airport with Australian Open themed letters.
Phuoc attends the 2020 Australian Open.

The Australian Open is the first of four grand slams in a calendar year for the Association of Tennis Professionals and the Women’s Tennis Association. The French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open follow the AO.

For those new to Tennis, here are a few things you will want to know:

  • The AO draw consists of 128 singles players for men and women.
    • There is also men’s doubles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles draws.
  • 32 players in the singles draws are seeded
    • A singles champion will need to win 7 matches in 2 weeks to hold the trophy
  • The Australian Open is played on hard court and held at Melbourne Park
    • The bounce on hard courts are natural/standard
    • The only other major on hardcourt is the US Open
  • The Importance of Serving
    • Men tend to serve upwards of 120mph
      • Less serves returned, more points won off serve,
    • Women tend to serve upwards of 100mph
      • More serves returned, less points won off serve
  • Tennis Terminology 101
    • Ace: Serve that lands in the box and is untouched by returner
    • Winner: A shot that lands in the court which the player across the net is unable to touch before the second bounce.
    • Groundstroke: A forehand (usually one hand) or backhand (men: 1 + 2 hands typically, women: 2 hands typically).
    • Slice: A backspin shot (usually on the backhand)
    • Drop Shot: A shot that lands barely over the net with the intention of landing twice before opponent arrives.
    • Types of Spin
      • Topspin: forward rotation (commonly seen on groundstrokes)
      • Backspin: (commonly seen on a backhand slice or drop shot)
      • Flat: little to no spin
Who are the favorites to win the 2023 Australian Open?
Tier 1: No S***, Sherlock!

From the ATP, Novak Djokovic (Serbia) returns for the first time since 2021. Weeks before the 2022 AO, he had his visa revoked due to his vaccination status, making him ineligible to participate.

Djokovic is second all-time in the ATP. With 21 career titles, he stands just one grand slam behind Rafael Nadal’s all-time record. He won the last three editions of the AO that he played in: in 2019, 2020, and 2021.

Djokovic is coming off a title in Adelaide, where he notably defeated three seeded players in Daniil Medvedev (No. 8), Denis Shapovalov (No. 22), and Sebastian Korda (No. 31), respectively.

Expect Djokovic to come highly motivated to tie Nadal for the grand slam titles record.

Can anyone stop him? Not likely. Djokovic can turn defense to offense with one shot, has no weaknesses, and mentally invincible.

Draftking Odds: -110

In the WTA, Iga Świątek (Poland) is coming off a historic and dominant 2022. She won eight titles, including two grand slams and her 37-match win streak surpasses that of any woman this century. And she is only 21.

Last year, the WTA lost their No. 1 and defending AO champion, Ash Barty (Former No.1, Australia) to retirement. Świątek has taken the mantle and become the undisputed No. 1.

Most recently, Świątek and Team Poland made the semi-finals of the United Cup, an ATP and WTA combined team tournament. She was 3-1 with wins over Yulia Putintseva (No. 51, Kazakhstan), Belinda Bencic (No. 13, Switzerland), and Martina Trevisan (No. 22, Italy), with her only loss coming against American Jessica Pegula (No. 3).

Even though Świątek is coming off a tough loss against Pegula, she is mentally the toughest player on tour. Expect her team to have her ready for the AO.

She has been a fierce advocate for mental health. Iga contributes a lot of her success to the sports psychologist who travels with her, Daria Abramowicz.

It is not a surprise to see her as the favorite. She is one of the best movers of all time, elite defensively, packs a powerful forehand, automatic backhand, and an improving serve.

Draftking Odds: +225

Tier 2: They Aren’t Pretenders, They’re Contenders!

Effect of New Tennis Balls:

  • Dunlop has been the official partner of the AO since 2019 and they have introduced a new ball to be used at the 2023 edition.
  • According to Rafa, this puts players like him at a disadvantage. He relies on a topspin (heavy spin) playstyle which seems to lose its effectiveness after a few shots.
    • Players who rely on a lot spin, will have trouble adjusting and getting a feel for their shots.
  • Players who hit flat (little to no spin) will have an advantage in the tournament.
    • Players listed in favorites & contenders have seen little to no issues with the ball and excelled in lead-up matches.
  • Fun Fact? Not really…
    • Nadal is winless with this Dunlop ball being used in his matches.

ATP:

  • Rafa Nadal, No. 2 – Spain: The legend leads the ATP in all-time grand slam victories, with 22. The new balls being used for the tournament will not suit his topspin heavy playstyle. He is coming off a winless United Cup with Spain that consisted of two 3-set losses. This may be his worst form entering a major, but he remains the toughest out in any grand slam.
    Odds: +1700
  • Daniil Medvedev, No. 8: The 2021 US Open champion and former No. 1 is coming off a strong showing in Adelaide, where he made the semi-finals before losing to Djokovic. The new balls will suit his flat groundstrokes and power. Expect a strong showing from Medvedev, as his best performances have always come on hard courts. He is one of the flattest hitters on tour, the hard court surface and balls should suit his game the most.
    Odds: +550
  • Taylor Fritz, No. 9 – USA: The Indian Wells champion is coming off a terrific start to 2023, with a strong United Cup showing. He helped lead the United States to the inaugural title along with Pegula, Madison Keys, and Frances Tiafoe. Fritz went 4-1 with wins over Jiri Lehecka (No. 78), Sascha Zverev (No. 13), Hubert Hurkacz (No. 11), and Matteo Berrettini (No. 14). His only loss was to Cameron Norrie (No. 12). The top ranked American will look to become the first American men’s Grand Slam champion since Andy Roddick in 2003. Along with Medvedev, Fritz does not play with much spin. His powerful flatter groundstrokes will serve him well with the balls.
    Odds: +1700
  • Stefanos Tsitsipas, No. 4 – Greece: The three-time AO semifinalist is in peak form. He recently posted a 4-0 singles record at the United Cup, leading Greece to a top four finish. Tsitsipas had wins over Grigor Dimitrov (No. 29, Bulgaria), David Goffin (No. 53, Belgium), Borna Coric (No. 23, Croatia), and Berrettini (No. 14, Italy). He plays with intensity and has the firepower to back it up, could this major be his?
    Odds: +1400
  • Dark Horses: Felix Auger-Aliassime (No. 7, Canada), Hubert Hurkacz (No. 11, Poland), Cameron Norrie (No. 12, England), Casper Rudd (No.3, Norway), Jannik Sinner (No.16, Italy), Frances Tiafoe (No. 17, USA)
  • Key Injuries: Carlos Alcaraz (No. 1, Spain)
  • Fun to Watch: Tiafoe, the second-ranked American, is coming off an undefeated week at United Cup and a semi-final appearance at the 2022 US Open. He’s been one of the most entertaining players on tour. He possesses a forehand that can be hit with lots of spin or flattened out while his backhand is one hit quite flat or with as a slice for backspin. Tiafoe could make another deep run.

WTA:

  • Jessica Pegula, No. 3 – USA: The No. 1 American is coming off a wonderful United Cup win and a 4-1 singles record. The highlight of her week came in a 6-2 6-2 victory against Świątek. Pegula had not won a match versus Świątek since 2019 and was 0-4 head-to-head in 2022. This monumental win makes her one of the favorites. These new balls are suiting her powerfully accurate flatter groundstrokes. She has taken her hard-hitting to an extra gear, so far this year.
    Odds: +1200
  • Ons Jabeur, No. 2 – Tunisia: The Tunisian is the highest-ranked player in African and Arab ATP and WTA tennis history. Jabeur is coming off back to back final appearances at Wimbledon and the US Open. Her slice backhand, drop shots, and forehand will work well with the change of tennis balls at the AO. Is the third time the charm?
    Odds: +1400
  • Belinda Bencic, No. 13 – Switzerland: The 2020 Olympic gold medalist is one of the favorites after winning Adelaide this month. She scored victories over Garbiñe Muguruza (No. 58), Anna Kalinskaya (No. 64), Caroline Garcia (No. 4), Veronika Kudermetova (No. 9), and Daria Kasatkina (No. 8). Bencic plays with less spin and has pinpoint accuracy on her shots which have adjusted extremely well to the new Dunlop balls. If her first serve percentage can stay a high percentage, she has a chance to win it all. However, her weakness remains the second serve as opponents typically have attacked this shot.
    After battling injuries and inconsistent form, Bencic is back and ready for her first major win.
    Odds: +2000

  • Dark Horses: Danielle Collins (No. 11, USA), Caroline Garcia (No. 4, France), Coco Gauff (No. 7, USA), Daria Kasatkina (No. 8), Madison Keys (No. 13, USA), Petra Kvitova (No. 15, Czech Republic), Elena Rybakina (No. 25, Kazakhstan) , Aryna Sabalenka (No. 5), Maria Sakkari (No. 6, Greece)
  • Key Injuries: Paula Badosa (No. 11, Spain), Ajla Tomljanovich (No. 35, Australia)
  • Fun to Watch: Jabeur has the most variety and shots in her repertoire. The WTA is lucky to have a player that plays a unique brand of tennis.
    • Honorable Mentions: Gauff, Bianca Andreescu (No. 43, Canada), Alize Cornet (No 34, France), Kasatkina
Future WTA & ATP Stars
  • Linda Fruhirtova – 17 years old, N0. 82, Czech Republic
    • The Fruhirtova sisters, Linda & Brenda are both in the AO tournament.
  • Brenda Fruhirtova 15 years old, No. 136, Czech Republic
  • Qinwen Zheng – 20 years old, , No. 28, China
  • Holger Rune – 19 years old, No. 10, Denmark
  • Jack Draper – 21 years old, No. 40, England

    *She ended up winning in 3 sets

Final Predictions:

Semifinals:
Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Daniil Medvedev
Novak Djokovic vs Taylor Fritz

Finals:
Stefanos Tsitsipas vs Novak Djokovic
Winner: Novak Djokovic

Semifinals:
Iga Swiatek vs Jessica Pegula
Caroline Garcia vs Belinda Bencic

Finals: 
Jessica Pegula vs Belinda Bencic
Winner: Jessica “JPEG” Pegula