Timbers Draw Dynamo in Third Preseason Game

The Portland Timbers continued their preseason slate against the Houston Dynamo, and drew 1-1. The Dynamo struck first in the twelfth minute, when Arturo Alvarez danced between Vytas and David Guzman, and slid the ball past Gleeson. The Timbers equalized twenty minutes later, when Sebastian Blanco slid a ball past the defense to the back post and onto the foot of Dairon Asprilla, who tapped it in.

The Timbers looked very good in the first hour of play. They were able to play through the middle of the pitch and send balls between the center backs. Diego Valeri played like a true number ten, and worked very well with Asprilla and Fenando Adi.

The PTFC wing backs were also able to get into the attack, and overlapped very well. Vytas put several threatening crosses into the box, and Powell did a good job of playing low balls across the face of the goal.

A defensive miscommunication was the biggest source of offense for Houston. The Dynamo’s only goal came after Vytas and Guzman didn’t play together. Both tried to tackle, rather than one trying to backup the other.

The starters played the first 60 minutes, and could’ve left with a fairly sizable lead if their finishing was in midseason form. Coach Gio Saverese was pleased with the creativity and fluidity of his starters. Saverese went on to state that his team needs to be dynamic with the ball.

Andy Polo subbed on for Blanco a few minutes into the second half, and took charge of the game once PTFC changed lines.

The Timbers offense transitioned from playing through the center of the pitch to playing through the channels. The reserves threatened a few times, but never really challenged Dynamo keeper Chris Seitz.

Portland plays next on Saturday at noon against FC Dallas.