Thoughts on the WBA Friendly

by Ryan Gates on Jul 21, 2011 2:14 PM PDT

As many of you know Portland lost to West Bromich Albion 3-2 on Wednesday night. I was going to try and put up a recap but didn't have my computer at the game and came home to a very sick little boy and stayed up way too late last night. So I am just going to voice some thoughts and observations from the game.

First Half:

I think this was one of the better halves of soccer Portland has played this year, granted it was against a team just starting their pre-season and looked like the were going at half-speed. The possession and passing were amazing to watch and really made the first half quite enjoyable. The first goal was a thing of beauty and credit goes to Darlington Nagbe for creating the opportunity and Eddie Johnson for finishing it. The second goal was an amazing shot from outside the box from Peter Lowry.

Second Half:

Talk about a game of two halves. Portland did make 6 subs which obviously throws out momentum and rhythm in one toss. Coupled with the fact that WBA probably got their rhythm together and you get a 3 goal turnaround. Really the game should have ended in PK's, which would have happened if the game was tied, because the last goal should have been saved by Jake Gleeson. With that said I would rather Gleeson learn in friendlies like this one than make that mistake in a game that counts and you could see it affected him after the game but his teammates, especially Adin Brown, did not let him stay down.

Observations after the jump:

Observations:

Darlingtion Nagbe was amazing in the center of the park. I think this allowed him to influence the game a lot more. I would love to see Diego Chara, Captain Jack Jewsbury, and Nagbe in the middle of the park and move....
Kenny Cooper out wide is a much better option than as a out and out striker. He was more controlling and able to use his foot skills.
Chris Taylor has some major upside. He really stood up his man a lot and never quit. He also got forward well and hit some nice crosses, but still needs to improve
Steve Purdy is not a Central Back. He was pushed around all game long.
Peter Lowry is scrappy and I love how he plays, I think he could come in instead of James Marcelin and give us better possession late in the games.

What do you think about the game last night?

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Comments

With the exception of the number of goals this game and the Seattle game were identical

Awesome first half, tons of half time changes, horrible second half.

I didn’t really pay close enough attention to the game to get all tactical on it, but Cooper did look to be having a better game out wide. Gleeson had a rough half but I’d still rank him above Brown in the pecking order.

by pdb on Jul 21, 2011 2:21 PM PDT reply actions

I disagree

Adin Brown played much better than Gleeson, and showed why he’s the more capable #2. I know Gleeson is more athletic due to his age, but Brown seemed to have better goal instincts. Love Gleeson as much as the next guy, but he’s still pretty raw and I wouldn’t even think about having Gleeson back there for a long time.

by vitaminx on Jul 21, 2011 2:59 PM PDT up reply actions

I thought the first half was brilliant

I agree that the changes in the 2nd half broke the continuity, but we still played with heart. We have several up-and-coming players on the end of the bench, and soon they’ll make some noise for our boys.

Blazers win!

by The X-man on Jul 21, 2011 2:58 PM PDT reply actions

Good observations Ryan

In the first half I realized how quick Perkins is when I saw Brown seemingly rooted in the ground. In the second half I realized how raw Gleeson still is, as vitaminx points out.

Otherwise, I thought Zizzo and Lowry were electric. Agree re: Taylor. Thought Freddy did really well in front of the defense, too. We suffered with Purdy at CB when Brunner went out. Brunner’s made a couple of mistakes this year but for me he has to be in the discussion as our MVP.

by GoTimbers on Jul 21, 2011 4:47 PM PDT reply actions

Awesome first half,

not even worried about the second. I thought Lowry had a good game, but I think Marcelin should continue to play as a stopper in this 4-5-1 because he can impose himself on the game much better than Lowry can. Unless Chabala can play that position better, which is yet to be determined.

Mike Rice: "Camby nearly rejected that with his Armpit!"

Mike Barrett: "Now that would be a fragrant foul."

by TheNoPoFuzz on Jul 21, 2011 5:07 PM PDT reply actions