I was listening to the recent NYRB "Town Hall" (gutsy move by the front office), and it got me to thinking. Who has been the better coach between the two the last 2 years. They both came into the league in the same year, as MLS rookie coaches. Let's look at their accomplishments:
Porter:
Record- 26-14-28 for 106 points
2013 Western Conference Regular season champs
Playoffs- 2013
2013 MLS Cup Conference Final
USOC- 2013 Semifinal, 2014 Quarterfinal
2014 CCL- 2nd in group, did not advance
Petke:
Record- 30-19-19 for 109 points
2013 Supporters Shield (Eastern conference champs)
Playoffs- 2013, 2104
2014 MLS Cup Conference Final
USOC- 2013-Fourth Round 2014- Fourth Round (losing to Cosmos OUCH)
2014 CCL- 3rd in group, did not advance
So it's pretty darn close on most levels. Obviously Petke had a few more "star" players to work with (and likely played in an easier conference both years), but overall I think even neutral folks would say the Timbers roster was overall more balanced or perhaps stronger. We made deeper runs in the USOC both years, but didn't win any silverware.
I guess I'm just trying to understand some of the NYRB supporters' outrage, and after comparing these two coaches head to head (not even taking into account that Petke played for NYRB and is from New York state) I'm now more understanding. Imagine if Porter was dumped after the 2014 season! We as Timbers fans would likely be screaming at GW at a town hall meeting as well (maybe worse?).
What do you guys think? Who had the better run as a coach (however you define it) for 2013-2104? I have to say, taking the homer glasses off, for me it was probably Petke.