Through 13 matches played thus far in 2019, the Portland Timbers have allowed 26 goals, while accumulating a -7 goal differential, and failing to secure a single shutout. Those are not great numbers and, with that in mind, it’s pretty obvious why they’re currently rooted to the bottom of the Western Conference table. However, 14 points through 12 road matches are playoff-caliber numbers, and it would be a safe bet to include the Timbers in the playoff picture.
If nothing changes with this team between now and then, simply being in the playoff picture is all they can hope for. Yes, Brian Fernandez is scoring at a pretty dang impressive rate in his young MLS career. Yes, the team appears to have the attacking pieces to go out and score a goal or two against any team in the league. And yes, they have the benefit of playing most of their remaining matches at Providence Park.
But with all that said, this team cannot defend.
I’m willing to attribute some of the defensive frailties to inconsistent lineup choices, as Gio Savarese has seemed reluctant to lock in a consistent first-choice back four; however, his hand has been forced by largely inconsistent performances from his defenders and goalkeepers. Jeff Attinella has looked shaky at best, while Steve Clark has yet to do enough to wrest the starting spot from him. Jorge Villafana has begun to look as though he’s regaining the form that saw him into the USMNT picture a couple of years back, but he’s continually struggled to find consistency — so who knows if his current form will continue? Jorge Moreira, at right back, has shown good intent, and a willingness to get forward, but his execution has been seriously lacking, while repeatedly showing that he is a defensive liability, particularly on set-piece marking. Zarek Valentine, while performing well at fullback, seems unlikely to ever be more than a valuable role player. Finally, the center back trio of Bill Tuiloma, Larrys Mabiala, and Julio Cascante has shown some signs of promise, but for the most part, have lacked the ability to make big plays in decisive moments.
Despite all of that, many of the team’s defensive issues stem from a decided lack of leadership and identity. None of the above-mentioned players have shown that they are willing or able to step into that leadership role, meaning that the only way to solve this is to find a new player.
With that said, I’ve gathered a list of three players who could come into the fold and make an immediate, positive impact. Will the Timbers actually sign any of these players? Well ... that’s difficult to say. Regardless, it’s fun to speculate, and the point remains the same: The Timbers need to make a move if they want to compete for another Western Conference Championship.
Neven Subotic
The former Borussia Dortmund man had struggled for fitness during the end of his stay in Germany. A move to Ligue One outfit St. Etienne, however, gave him something of a resurgence, as he cemented himself once again as a first-choice center back. His contract is set to expire at the end of this month, and it’s unclear whether he will re-sign for St. Etienne or look for different pastures. At 30 years old, he fits nicely age-wise with the Timbers’ current core group of players, and his pedigree speaks for itself. Additionally, he holds a U.S. passport, meaning that the Timbers would not be forced to use an international roster slot on him. His salary expectations might be a bit higher than what Portland is willing to pay, but he would very well be worth the price of admission.
Gary Cahill
The former England international was effectively frozen out of Maurizio Sarri’s Chelsea side this past season, and he is set to leave London on a free transfer this summer. His destination is unclear, yet, at 33, he has publicly stated his desire to continue playing and insists there is more life left in his legs. Having anchored a stellar Chelsea back line for the better part of the last seven years, Cahill is a world class defender who could succeed in MLS. There will likely be interest in the Premier League for his signature, but with the right offer, it’s possible he could be lured Stateside. That said, this one would be a bit of a stretch, as he still carries considerable market value and the Timbers just splashed quite a bit of cash on the Fernandez signing. Regardless, Cahill would easily provide the leadership and composure to lead Portland through the second half of the season, and it would be a coup to sign a player of his quality.
Marcos Senesi
The young Argentinean cemented himself as a first-choice option for San Lorenzo in the Argentine Primera Division in the 2018/19 campaign and, at 22, he is reportedly beginning to attract interest from European clubs. While making the jump to Europe could be a good move for his career, such moves have also been known to backfire for many young players, and a shift to MLS might be a safer, more measured approach to continuing his development. While he might not be able to offer the same leadership and experience as the two previous names on this list, he certainly has the quality to contribute to the Timbers’ defense and raise the level of those around him. Additionally, Senesi recently paid a visit to the Timbers’ training facility and was welcomed by former San Lorenzo teammates, Blanco and Conechny. A sign of things to come or simply a visit with old friends? Difficult to say, but signing a player such as Senesi would be a positive step towards bringing some more youth into a rapidly aging squad.
Now, obviously, there’s always an argument for sticking with the players you’ve got and giving them every chance to develop and succeed. However, the reality is that — with the Timbers core group of Diego Valeri, Diego Chara, and Sebastian Blanco sitting at 33, 33, and 31 respectively — there isn’t much time to wait around and wait for younger players to develop. The 2019 Timbers are set up to win now, but they’ll need some help to do so. Will they get it? Only time will tell.
Let me know your thoughts in the comments, and feel free to throw out any other names you think should be in the conversation.
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