Riding a four game unbeaten streak into their match against Minnesota United, the Portland Timbers were looking to make it five Saturday.
However, that streak ended after a heartbreaking goal in the last seconds of stoppage time by Minnesota’s Bongokuhle Hlongwane.
Portland’s offense is hot and cold, while their backline continues to put in their best performances. If these could sync up, we could see this season’s outlook change quickly.
The players and coaching staff are rightfully disappointed in the result.
Disappointing match,” said Timbers head coach Gio Savarese. “A game that we knew exactly how it was going to be.
“We knew Minnesota was just going to be defending and organized in the block,” Savarese said, “and we knew they were going to go for the counter. We managed everything well until the 93rd minute and one little moment of hesitation between [Aljaž Ivačič], our centerbacks—maybe one played a little bit too high.”
The 1-0 loss raises a lot of questions, particularly about the depth of the team and if coach Savarese should have rotated the squad more.
Make no mistake, the Timbers were the better side, but the sloppiness and tired legs—the match was Portland’s third in eight days—took their toll on the team.
Portland’s xG was 1.19 compared to Minnesota’s 0.98. The Timbers outshoot the Loons 19 to nine and had 10% more possession. They also had more crosses, passes, and corners.
The team did not deserve to lose this game. A draw would have been a fair result.
Soccer is brutal sometimes.
Congested schedule
The Timbers have dealt with injuries throughout the season and are finally healthy enough to compete. However, in congested weeks with at least three games, they are at a huge disadvantage.
Yes, Portland’s starting XI can compete with anyone in MLS when they are healthy and fully rested.
But the depth might not be there; Savarese went with his best players for three straight games and got four points.
If the Timbers do not make the playoffs, we may have to look at this week as the pivotal week where the team dropped points.
84' Two yellow cards in two minutes, as Zuparic is shown a yellow card for a hard challenge.
— Stumptown Footy (@StumptownFooty) May 21, 2023
Dario will now miss Portland's next match due to yellow card accumulation. #RCTID
Their depth will be tested even more when Dario Župarić will have to serve his suspension for yellow card accumulation. Larrys Mabiala will be the next one up.
Seba’s return
Sebastiàn Blanco has battled injuries nonstop to get back on the pitch.
His work ethic and determination is one we should all aspire to. The fact that he continues to overcome the odds should be applauded and supported by everyone.
Sebastián Blanco is not available tomorrow or this weekend, Gio Savarese said. He had an injection in his knee to address nerve pain. #RCTID
— Ryan Clarke (@RyanTClarke) May 16, 2023
Recently, a nerve pain in his knee flared up, and he received an injection to address it.
He made his first appearance of the regular season in the 79th minute, and the crowd made sure Blanco knew how much they loved to see him back.
Back to @MLS action 👏#RCTID's No. 10 💚 pic.twitter.com/2KELmaQP7s
— Portland Timbers (@TimbersFC) May 21, 2023
Making his return over the weekend was a pleasant surprise and will hopefully provide Portland with a boost throughout the remainder of the season.
Inconsistency
Portland have played some of their best football as of late, but have been lacking the extra consistency needed to be a playoff contender.
“It has been difficult,” said Diego Chará. “Now we’re getting back some healthy players, and obviously, we are trying to create opportunities in the front attack. Right now we really need to be better in the first 15 minutes and try to score, because it’s really important that our attackers try to find a way to score goals.
“In tonight’s game, we tried to play balls to the middle, tried to find a clear opportunity for Franck [Boli], for [Dairon] Asprilla, and we couldn’t do it,” he said. “I think in this next game, we need to be better in that—to prepare well and try to play a better performance from every player.”
