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| Yeah, what the hell? Middle-aged beefcake |
I was going to title this post “Real Rocky,” but that was premised on the Portland Timbers losing to Los Angeles FC tonight. After giving it some thought, that only made sense superficially - e.g., maybe Portland’s the underdog (yes, fine, probably), but they’re not shitty players, they weren’t heavies for the mob before getting into soccer, and so on. Also, didn’t the first Rocky(!) end in a tie?
Unlike all the Rocky sequels, Portland’s 2-2 draw against LAFC didn’t suck (don't @ me). In keeping with all the Rocky movies, however, it told a tale in scenes and acts. Two rivals fought, the upper hand shifting from one (I’d give the Timbers the first 20 minutes and most the time after both teams made subs) to the other (LAFC dominated the first half and held the edge up to about the 60th, when a combination of legs and talent gave out) across (roughly) 97 sprawling minutes. Come to think of it - and why the hell have I never used dramatic structure to frame a game? - this game fit a three-act formula with unusual precision…if literally and exclusively from the Timbers perspective. Here’s the outline:
The Timbers start strong - all is well! - and find their just reward through a clinical goal from Jaroslaw Niezgoda that, if only in retrospect, came easily, too easily, as if in warning. As the game turns to the 30th minute (end of Act I), storm clouds gather on the horizon…here, “the horizon” means the top of Portland’s defensive third, where LA’s players found way too much time and, with that, they started stringing together combinations, picking up fouls in dangerous places (as demonstrated by Eduardo Atuesta’s free kickbefore the 30th minute!). Curtain. [End Act I]
And yet Portland had held the weight of LAFC pressure at bay, even into Act II. LAFC edged close, and closer, then so close you could feel their swampy Orlando breath on your neck, but surely, they couldn’t…NO! A bolt by Latif Blessing lacerates the heart of Portland’s center, finding LAFC’s dashing forward, Bradley Wright-Phillips at the true and vulnerable heart of Portland’s defense…or, rather, 5-10 yards behind it. He lashes home, honestly, one hell of a goal, but I’ve always loved that guy…more on him later, in fact. The siege continues, fortune slips through Portland’s fingers one probing combination sequence after another, unrelenting, dizzying, leaving Portland gasping for air, wondering whether the next threat would come from around the fullback, or into the seam between fullback and centerback. They succumb to the weight, at long last (actually, just four minutes), and, with chance following chance, the Timbers seem doomed to fall under an avalanche of goals, and into a hell where they'll face their dread, smelly rivals, the Seattle Sounders…again (and again and again and again). And yet LAFC’s attacks do not relent [Ed. - For the factual record, LAFC posted 19 shots, just three of them on goal; just building tension here; don’t want to give a false impression.]…until the half-time whistle. Both sides go to their (ideally) sanitized locker rooms to regroup, perhaps reflect on their fate in the universe. Perhaps a player offers a soliloquy…
Once on the field, NO! LAFC returns, no less ravening coming out of the locker room as going into it. Portland chases with one eye searching for an exit, some reprieve, some respite. And still they come. The clock counts to 50. Then to 55. Then to 60. Curtain. [End Act II]
Act III opens with the teams returned to balance. LAFC continues to press, but without the spring in their legs to bring life to their attack. And then both teams make subs, and the whole narrative dried up. I had this idea of making Diego Valeri and Jeremy Ebobisse showing up like, I don’t know, an old relative with a lot of money, maybe an uncle or a long-last grandparent, doesn’t matter, it’s just an ace in the hole deus ex machina with a “wizened elder” panache. I haven’t finished the draft. At any rate, and long story short, this game played out in three broad phases: Portland outplayed LAFC for the first 20 minutes, then LAFC outplayed Portland a little bit more over the next 30-35 minutes - and things could have gone really sideways then, like Los Angeles Galaxy sideways - but then both teams made subs and Portland's were better. Or just taller. The end.
I have to pause here because that's an actual reference to Portland’s equalizer, aka, the comedic masterpiece that MWoMLS deserved. I heard some hints toward the shortness of LAFC’s substitutes in the broadcast like the rest of you, but that goal still looked like a bit - and Portland’s Bill Tuiloma damn-near played keepy-uppy by himself inside LAFC’s area across two (three?) set-pieces before that. It looked junior high kids playing kids from elementary school out there, but only in that moment. Which I’ll always cherish…
To shift all the narrative crap above into something more analytical, LAFC presents a problem that every team that plays them, for as long as it happens, needs to figure out. I don’t say that to inflate their reputation: they are (not might be, are) a uniquely aggressive and effective team in MLS, but, like any team, they can be managed. I have a loose theory that the place to do that is in the midfield - i.e., where the avalanche that comes for your goal begins - and, more than that, I’m still watching for what dishing Walker Zimmerman did to their back line. Having gone back to watch (more than) a little MLS history, he’s made every team he’s played for better. Bottom line, I think LAFC will continue to find goals - they're one of a very few teams in MLS that can break down a set defense - but I think you can hold them off if you press their midfield players - e.g., Mark-Anthony Kaye, Atuesta, Francisco Ginella (but often Blessing) - before they can pin you down your lines and start probing.
There’s something else LAFC does - and incredibly well, when they’ve got their legs. They utilize something really similar to the old New York Red Bulls press under Jesse Marsch. They go through spells where they spread all over the field and press the holy shit off the ball, even down to double-teaming a fullback (looking at you, Chris Duvall) when he hesitates or makes the wrong move. Worst case, they’ll be able to slice you open in three passes like those old Red Bulls teams; less bad, they go to pinning down your lines, probing, scoring, etc. Ohhh, one thing on that: Wright-Phillips played on those old Red Bulls teams and he was very, very effective in that set up…I’ve always been a fan of that guy...more to the point, LAFC will still be good this season.
As for Portland’s performance, and performances, hell, I’m happy. I’m also not going to lean too heavily into the “B” or even “A-“ starting line-up to make a case that Portland should be grateful for a draw against LAFC. I think the Timbers can beat that LAFC team with…the best it can get out of the current line-up, and those ellipses mean, 1) maybe not with Carlos Vela in the line-up, for obvious reasons, and 2) I’m not sure Portland has its best team laid down yet, but also, that's fine. Given that they just won their group against a strong team (LAFC), a tricky one (Houston, just ask LAFC), and...other (LA Galaxy), that’s better than fine. At this point, I see Portland as a good team that can get better. Now, some finer points…
To start with the negatives (out with the jive, in with the love; out with the jive, in with the love), I felt little disheartened by Cristhian Paredes’, ideally present, regression. He’s not off any list, but the rust showed tonight. I barely noticed Marvin Loria tonight, and I don’t think anyone knows what to do with Andy Polo besides use him to rest the starters. At this point in time, I’m for it if Polo’s for it. If he can find a better opportunity, God bless. He’s not a bad player (also, why can’t I see his speed; this drives me mad!), but he’s also not going to take the team to new heights. So, there we are…
Oh, and it looked like they tried to use Duvall as a tactical replacement for Jorge Moreira, and that looked like a bad idea. I can’t unsee Moreira doing that, and that’s no fault of Duvall’s. He has his own upside…just not that one.
Going the other way, I was really impressed by Marco Farfan tonight. Like really impressed. It was global, technique, decision-making, defending. I’d try him over Jorge Villafana for a bit.
Zuparic impressed me tonight - and that’s huge in my book. I never got around to examining whether there’s a correlation between getting under the average for goals during a season and winning MLS Cup. I do know, however, that a solid back four (or three…just a solid foundation), gives your team more comfort and flexibility (Depends) to attack. Zuparic cleaned up a lot at the back tonight, good emergency stuff, good positioning, etc., but he looks comfortable on the ball and, maybe it was the occasion, he looked fine carrying…out of the back? If Zuparic can handle LAFC, he’s probably all right for half the teams in MLS. And I’m back to feeling good about Portland’s centerback depth…because I still think defense wins titles, and in both directions.
I wanted to close on the highest of notes, i.e., by wrapping up the thought of why I believe the Timbers can, and should, get better. First, do we agree that Portland did not start its best team tonight? Yes? Yes. At the same time, both shifts (as divided by Valeri and Williamson coming on) played a part in tonight’s draw. I’ll be the first to admit that I read that line-up as Portland being willing to eat a loss, but the regular irregulars did pretty well. Some better than others, obviously - e.g., I think Loria needs a sit, while Paredes just might need more reps, but why would I start either of them week in and out with Chara and Williamson looking pretty damn good. Also, Larrys Mabiala? C’mon!? I feel good...as I can during a pandemic, etc. etc. etc. etc. etc. Moving on...
Overall, this group stage has moved me to optimistic on Portland’s chances, at least for a year or two. An actual Cup/Shield run feels like a stretch, and I like their chances in the former more than the latter, all of which assumes any of that comes to pass…
…here’s to hoping it does and for all the right reasons.
Unlike all the Rocky sequels, Portland’s 2-2 draw against LAFC didn’t suck (don't @ me). In keeping with all the Rocky movies, however, it told a tale in scenes and acts. Two rivals fought, the upper hand shifting from one (I’d give the Timbers the first 20 minutes and most the time after both teams made subs) to the other (LAFC dominated the first half and held the edge up to about the 60th, when a combination of legs and talent gave out) across (roughly) 97 sprawling minutes. Come to think of it - and why the hell have I never used dramatic structure to frame a game? - this game fit a three-act formula with unusual precision…if literally and exclusively from the Timbers perspective. Here’s the outline:
The Timbers start strong - all is well! - and find their just reward through a clinical goal from Jaroslaw Niezgoda that, if only in retrospect, came easily, too easily, as if in warning. As the game turns to the 30th minute (end of Act I), storm clouds gather on the horizon…here, “the horizon” means the top of Portland’s defensive third, where LA’s players found way too much time and, with that, they started stringing together combinations, picking up fouls in dangerous places (as demonstrated by Eduardo Atuesta’s free kickbefore the 30th minute!). Curtain. [End Act I]
And yet Portland had held the weight of LAFC pressure at bay, even into Act II. LAFC edged close, and closer, then so close you could feel their swampy Orlando breath on your neck, but surely, they couldn’t…NO! A bolt by Latif Blessing lacerates the heart of Portland’s center, finding LAFC’s dashing forward, Bradley Wright-Phillips at the true and vulnerable heart of Portland’s defense…or, rather, 5-10 yards behind it. He lashes home, honestly, one hell of a goal, but I’ve always loved that guy…more on him later, in fact. The siege continues, fortune slips through Portland’s fingers one probing combination sequence after another, unrelenting, dizzying, leaving Portland gasping for air, wondering whether the next threat would come from around the fullback, or into the seam between fullback and centerback. They succumb to the weight, at long last (actually, just four minutes), and, with chance following chance, the Timbers seem doomed to fall under an avalanche of goals, and into a hell where they'll face their dread, smelly rivals, the Seattle Sounders…again (and again and again and again). And yet LAFC’s attacks do not relent [Ed. - For the factual record, LAFC posted 19 shots, just three of them on goal; just building tension here; don’t want to give a false impression.]…until the half-time whistle. Both sides go to their (ideally) sanitized locker rooms to regroup, perhaps reflect on their fate in the universe. Perhaps a player offers a soliloquy…
Once on the field, NO! LAFC returns, no less ravening coming out of the locker room as going into it. Portland chases with one eye searching for an exit, some reprieve, some respite. And still they come. The clock counts to 50. Then to 55. Then to 60. Curtain. [End Act II]
Act III opens with the teams returned to balance. LAFC continues to press, but without the spring in their legs to bring life to their attack. And then both teams make subs, and the whole narrative dried up. I had this idea of making Diego Valeri and Jeremy Ebobisse showing up like, I don’t know, an old relative with a lot of money, maybe an uncle or a long-last grandparent, doesn’t matter, it’s just an ace in the hole deus ex machina with a “wizened elder” panache. I haven’t finished the draft. At any rate, and long story short, this game played out in three broad phases: Portland outplayed LAFC for the first 20 minutes, then LAFC outplayed Portland a little bit more over the next 30-35 minutes - and things could have gone really sideways then, like Los Angeles Galaxy sideways - but then both teams made subs and Portland's were better. Or just taller. The end.
I have to pause here because that's an actual reference to Portland’s equalizer, aka, the comedic masterpiece that MWoMLS deserved. I heard some hints toward the shortness of LAFC’s substitutes in the broadcast like the rest of you, but that goal still looked like a bit - and Portland’s Bill Tuiloma damn-near played keepy-uppy by himself inside LAFC’s area across two (three?) set-pieces before that. It looked junior high kids playing kids from elementary school out there, but only in that moment. Which I’ll always cherish…
To shift all the narrative crap above into something more analytical, LAFC presents a problem that every team that plays them, for as long as it happens, needs to figure out. I don’t say that to inflate their reputation: they are (not might be, are) a uniquely aggressive and effective team in MLS, but, like any team, they can be managed. I have a loose theory that the place to do that is in the midfield - i.e., where the avalanche that comes for your goal begins - and, more than that, I’m still watching for what dishing Walker Zimmerman did to their back line. Having gone back to watch (more than) a little MLS history, he’s made every team he’s played for better. Bottom line, I think LAFC will continue to find goals - they're one of a very few teams in MLS that can break down a set defense - but I think you can hold them off if you press their midfield players - e.g., Mark-Anthony Kaye, Atuesta, Francisco Ginella (but often Blessing) - before they can pin you down your lines and start probing.
There’s something else LAFC does - and incredibly well, when they’ve got their legs. They utilize something really similar to the old New York Red Bulls press under Jesse Marsch. They go through spells where they spread all over the field and press the holy shit off the ball, even down to double-teaming a fullback (looking at you, Chris Duvall) when he hesitates or makes the wrong move. Worst case, they’ll be able to slice you open in three passes like those old Red Bulls teams; less bad, they go to pinning down your lines, probing, scoring, etc. Ohhh, one thing on that: Wright-Phillips played on those old Red Bulls teams and he was very, very effective in that set up…I’ve always been a fan of that guy...more to the point, LAFC will still be good this season.
As for Portland’s performance, and performances, hell, I’m happy. I’m also not going to lean too heavily into the “B” or even “A-“ starting line-up to make a case that Portland should be grateful for a draw against LAFC. I think the Timbers can beat that LAFC team with…the best it can get out of the current line-up, and those ellipses mean, 1) maybe not with Carlos Vela in the line-up, for obvious reasons, and 2) I’m not sure Portland has its best team laid down yet, but also, that's fine. Given that they just won their group against a strong team (LAFC), a tricky one (Houston, just ask LAFC), and...other (LA Galaxy), that’s better than fine. At this point, I see Portland as a good team that can get better. Now, some finer points…
To start with the negatives (out with the jive, in with the love; out with the jive, in with the love), I felt little disheartened by Cristhian Paredes’, ideally present, regression. He’s not off any list, but the rust showed tonight. I barely noticed Marvin Loria tonight, and I don’t think anyone knows what to do with Andy Polo besides use him to rest the starters. At this point in time, I’m for it if Polo’s for it. If he can find a better opportunity, God bless. He’s not a bad player (also, why can’t I see his speed; this drives me mad!), but he’s also not going to take the team to new heights. So, there we are…
Oh, and it looked like they tried to use Duvall as a tactical replacement for Jorge Moreira, and that looked like a bad idea. I can’t unsee Moreira doing that, and that’s no fault of Duvall’s. He has his own upside…just not that one.
Going the other way, I was really impressed by Marco Farfan tonight. Like really impressed. It was global, technique, decision-making, defending. I’d try him over Jorge Villafana for a bit.
Zuparic impressed me tonight - and that’s huge in my book. I never got around to examining whether there’s a correlation between getting under the average for goals during a season and winning MLS Cup. I do know, however, that a solid back four (or three…just a solid foundation), gives your team more comfort and flexibility (Depends) to attack. Zuparic cleaned up a lot at the back tonight, good emergency stuff, good positioning, etc., but he looks comfortable on the ball and, maybe it was the occasion, he looked fine carrying…out of the back? If Zuparic can handle LAFC, he’s probably all right for half the teams in MLS. And I’m back to feeling good about Portland’s centerback depth…because I still think defense wins titles, and in both directions.
I wanted to close on the highest of notes, i.e., by wrapping up the thought of why I believe the Timbers can, and should, get better. First, do we agree that Portland did not start its best team tonight? Yes? Yes. At the same time, both shifts (as divided by Valeri and Williamson coming on) played a part in tonight’s draw. I’ll be the first to admit that I read that line-up as Portland being willing to eat a loss, but the regular irregulars did pretty well. Some better than others, obviously - e.g., I think Loria needs a sit, while Paredes just might need more reps, but why would I start either of them week in and out with Chara and Williamson looking pretty damn good. Also, Larrys Mabiala? C’mon!? I feel good...as I can during a pandemic, etc. etc. etc. etc. etc. Moving on...
Overall, this group stage has moved me to optimistic on Portland’s chances, at least for a year or two. An actual Cup/Shield run feels like a stretch, and I like their chances in the former more than the latter, all of which assumes any of that comes to pass…
…here’s to hoping it does and for all the right reasons.
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