After three consecutive losses, the Portland Timbers finally got a point on the road against Sporting KC on Sunday.
The Timbers proved once more that they’re perfectly capable of scoring goals and getting a result. However, they also proved once again they like to shoot themselves in the feet.
When it rains, it pours
Not only did the Timbers have a terrible first half, but they also had bad luck. Portland wasn’t playing poorly at the beginning of the match, but KC’s fortuitous 13th-minute goal was like a bucket of cold water that sent the team into a spiral, and the home team smelled the blood in the water.
In the 19th minute, Sporting’s forwards counter-pressed near the visitor’s box, and it led to a shot that was just inches off target.
The Timbers’ shambolic defense made another appearance about half an hour into the match. Four players were too focused on William Agada and completely forgot about Dániel Sallói. As a result, the KC No. 10 had all the time and space to receive a pass and shoot.
Portland was surely grateful that goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau protected his near post well—and that Sallói shot off target. However, this led to a corner, where Crépeau was beaten by Daniel Rosero when trying to make a clearance, putting Sporting up 2-0.
What is more, Juan David Mosquera and Miguel Araujo weren’t complementing well, and space on the left half was a highway for Portland’s opponents.
No wonder Timbers head coach Phil Neville decided to make a change in his backline at halftime—just like he did against Vancouver. He subbed out Mosquera and moved Eric Miller to the right, and Claudio Bravo came in and occupied the left.
It remains unclear what the Timbers were doing in the third goal KC scored on them, but it’s safe to say that they looked like complete amateurs, and the coach had enough.
Leveling the score
By now, coach Neville’s halftime speeches must be something worth listening to if they can make the team turn 180° in less than 15 minutes.
Even so, the second 45 could’ve started with disaster, when Agada beat Araujo and almost scored KC’s fourth goal. The Peruvian recovered and prevented what could’ve thwarted Portland’s plans to revert the score in their favor.
We could see the change in attitude early in the half, with the Timbers pressing high and trying to occupy Sporting’s side of the field.
A new disaster loomed on the horizon, though, when in minute 59’, Claudio Bravo fouled Erik Thommy inside the box, and the referee awarded a penalty kick. In play that led to this defensive mistake, Portland left way too much space in between their lines, which helped KC move the ball freely and get to the Timbers’ box in only six passes.
Luckily for the visitors, Agada shot a terrible penalty that went out of bounds. KC’s mood fell after that. Only one minute later, Tim Leibold fouled Felipe Mora inside the box, and the Timbers were awarded a penalty. Finally, a Timber had the chance to step up to the penalty spot. It was Evander who buried the ball in the back of the net and put Portland in the game.
Felipe Mora
Portland was encouraged by Evander’s goal and immediately looked for another. The Timbers stayed wide, and that helped Antony receive the ball and then send the cross that helped Portland to score their second. Sporting did an awful job positioning defensively inside their box, which we can see in the screen capture below. KC left at least three Portland players very open to be recipients of Jonathan Rodríguez’s assist. One of those players was Felipe Mora.
The Chilean forward has been on a mission since he came back from injury. His goal in this game puts him at two goals and one assist in two matches.
Another important detail: Rodríguez on that left wing did some serious damage, and the Timbers recognized crosses to that side were causing problems for KC.
Antony’s magic
A lot has been said about Evander, and rightly so, but his countryman proved in this game that he can do a lot of damage on the right wing with his crossing and dribbling abilities.
He not only got fouled and earned the free kick that led to Portland’s equalizer, but he sent the cross to the box that Rodríguez headed to Eric Miller’s finish.
Antony has proved in this game that he can certainly make a difference in the team and influence the outcome of a match. No wonder his coach has such high expectations for him.
The team was certainly relieved to stop accumulating losses, and after two matches on the road, it’s time to go home. Will Portland be able to play for 90 minutes instead of just 45 and get a win against LAFC next Saturday?
We certainly hope so, since they’ve showed they have the tools for it.
