Pre-Season: Portland Timbers and Montreal Impact Draw 0-0

by Geoff Gibson on Feb 10, 2012 3:26 PM PST

Sacre bleu! And that's enough stereotypical French speak for now... In any case, it appears that today's pre-season friendly against the Montreal Impact was not quite as fruitful as their previous game against the LA Galaxy earlier this week when they won 4-1 against the former MLS Champs.

In any case, as with the previous game we don't have too much information to go on for this match since we weren't there to actually cover it. However, we do know that John Spencer played two separate line ups as with the previous game except, this time around, trialist keeper Joe Bendik played the entire 90 in the shut out, and impressive feat and one that spells good things for his potential against the likes of a Brian Ching lead attack.

Here was the first half starting line up:

Joe Bendik; Steve Purdy, Futty Danso, Hanyer Mosquera, Mike Chabala; Davids, Kalif Alhassan, James Marcelin, Rodney Wallace; Bright Dike, Jorge Perlaza

And the second half line up:

Joe Bendik; Lovel Palmer, Eric Brunner, Andrew Jean-Baptiste, Chris Taylor; Franck Songo'o, Diego Chara, Jack Jewsbury, Eric Alexander; Brent Richards, Rincon

We'll update with the press release when it's available. In the mean time, enjoy the highlights video after the jump.

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Midfield

The one thing I take away from this is that what looks to be a possible starting midfield have now played two games in a row together (jewsbury, chara, alexander and songo’o). I for one am very happy with this MF with alhassan/zizzo/marcelin coming off the bench if we use a 4-4-2.

Clearly if Nagbe plays in the MF this could change, but I am leaning more and more toward wanting him to start up top along with Boyd and having Perlaza and Dike coming off the bench.

by tgibson24 on Feb 10, 2012 4:54 PM PST reply actions

more on MF vs montreal here

looks like Alhassan played centrally with Marcelin.

http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2012/02/10/timbers-scrappy-draw-against-impact-perfect-test

Cameroonian trialist Frank Songo’o came on for the second 45 minutes. He spent time on both wings, but failed to have the same type of influence that made him Man of the Match against the Galaxy earlier in the week.

The most effective Portland attacker on the day was midfielder Eric Alexander, who lined up at left midfield in the second half and was consistently dangerous when cutting inside.

"He’s a really good soccer player. That’s why we brought him here last year, and were delighted to get him," Spencer said. "I’ve always said that we’ve seen the best of him coming this year, and if he keeps on continuing with the form he’s in right now, he’ll be a player to be reckoned with."

by tgibson24 on Feb 10, 2012 5:52 PM PST reply actions

Songo'o won't get two assists per game

I’m beginning to wonder if he has set impossibly high standards for himself. I’ll be happy with skill on the ball, more possession oriented play in midfield, decent assist tally + a few goals, and helping others open up space.

That's what she said.

by yepyou'reright on Feb 10, 2012 6:00 PM PST up reply actions

HIstorically, he does not score goals.

In 80 first team games he has 2 goals.

Contributing Editor for Stumptown Footy

by William Conwell on Feb 10, 2012 10:05 PM PST up reply actions

I can't imagine what would happen if he was on the field with Alhassan

I’d be alternately amazing and putting my head through the TV. Hopefully they rotate.

Oklahoma State will beat LSU in the National Title game by more than 7 points.

by No Pity on Feb 11, 2012 5:56 PM PST up reply actions

I like how things are shaping up offensively

Alexander and Songo’o are upgrades on the wings, Chara continuing his strong second half of last year, and Nagbe moving up top with Boyd. Jewsbury can play back deep. Chabala and Palmer were big improvements on the outside backs. This is promising. Very promising.
And to be able to catch Renken, Alhassan, Dike, Perlaza, Zizzo at reserve games and probably the US Open Cup…sweet.

by Kracken2011 on Feb 10, 2012 7:20 PM PST reply actions

30 Days Left!!!

Man I can not wait to get back into Jeld Wen for a match that counts!

The preseason tourney will be fun, but March 12…can not wait…

"What and how much had I lost by trying to do only what was expected of me instead of what I myself had wished to do?"
— Ralph Ellison (Invisible Man)

by PDXBuckeye on Feb 11, 2012 1:12 PM PST reply actions