The Portland Timbers' got shredded on the counter time and time against the Seattle Sounders in yesterday's 4-2 loss. As has been the case for the Timbers for much of the season, the Timbers played well in the attack but could not put together a cohesive defensive performance.
So, who were our picks for the Man of the Match? Fanendo Adi may have had the brace as a substitute, but was there someone else more deserving?
Kevin: Fanendo Adi
I was going to vote for Valeri. Even after Adi's first goal but it's hard to look past two goals scored in such a short period of time. With nothing much else to be happy about at least Adi got some goals again.
Michael: Diego Valeri
He was by far the best player on the field for Portland. Even when Adi scored his second, Valeri was the catalyst. He nearly scored on a first half free kick and set up others on chances that went begging.
Stacey: Diego Valeri
All over the field yesterday, we had to watch the guys in green play well below the best we've seen from them this season. For me, this choice came down to Valeri and Adi because they actually showed up to play and had a positive impact on the game. I'm giving Valeri the edge because he was in there working hard all game long.
Will: Rodney Wallace
The Timbers needed width against Seattle and not the "well, he can go outside sometimes, I guess" sort of width provided by Darlington Nagbe, Gaston Fernandez, or even Diego Valeri. They needed the sort of width that helps to stretch out a defense, especially one packing eight men back into the box at every opportunity, and Wallace provided that along with some ambitious dribbling and the team's best crosses of the night.
There are our picks, but who are yours? Let us know in the comments and vote in the poll below.