Stumptown Footy - Portland Timbers vs San Jose Earthquakes: Coverage HubYou are my sunshine, my only sunshine.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/31537/stumptown-fave.jpg2018-07-08T17:00:02-07:00http://www.stumptownfooty.com/rss/stream/173088852018-07-08T17:00:02-07:002018-07-08T17:00:02-07:00Six Degrees: Only Close Wins
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<img alt="MLS: San Jose Earthquakes at Portland Timbers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/V5bDLE936Fcnzl5Uipkj4irGIBY=/0x0:2372x1581/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/60300915/usa_today_10927563.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Portland 2, San Jose 1</p> <p id="9zgr5h">It seems wrong to complain when you’re on an 11-game MLS unbeaten streak, but I’m gonna complain a little anyway. What’s a guy got to do to get an easy win?</p>
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<p id="DBTzn1"><strong>1) </strong>Saturday night’s game started well, with San Jose picking up an always-rare 1<sup>st</sup> minute yellow card. Things continued well from there, and in the 14<sup>th</sup> minute, the Timbers finally got on the board. The goal started with <span><strong>Lawrence Olum</strong></span>’s interception.</p>
<p id="SE6rlp">Going on a quick Olum tangent— last year, I liked his play as a center back, but not as a defensive midfielder. This year, he’s impressing me in the midfield, too. And his solid play must be forcing some very tough decisions on Giovanni Savarese. Does he keep playing Olum? Replace him with <strong>Andy Polo </strong>or<strong> </strong><span><strong>David Guzman</strong></span>, who, ohbytheway, are the team’s only World Cup players? And whither young <strong>Cristhian Paredes</strong>? For awhile, he was an automatic inclusion in the Starting XI. Now it’s been two games without him. Injury? Poor performance? Both? Neither?</p>
<p id="oXMg92">Anyway, the goal started with Olum’s interception.</p>
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<p id="uROULS">That’s a solid pass from <span><strong>Diego Valeri</strong></span> and a solid goal for <strong>Samuel Armenteros</strong>. One funny thing about it? Roughly a minute earlier, their roles had been reversed, with Armenteros passing to Valeri, but Valeri had gotten it stuck in his feet. A minute later, Armenteros handled the pass just fine.</p>
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<p id="67Jz29"><strong>2) </strong>Valeri assisted on all three goals against Seattle last week. The goal up above made it four in a row. Anybody want to go for five straight?</p>
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<p id="RsUHgt">That’s a hell of a counter-attacking goal. Last week, we scored a goal that took 10 seconds to get from <span><strong>Jeff Attinella</strong></span>’s glove to the back of the opponent’s net. This one took 12 seconds. Fear the counter. Fear it.</p>
<p id="Clxad0">When we think of braces, we think of <span><strong>Fanendo Adi</strong></span>, who’s had about a thousand of them for the Timbers. It would seem Armenteros wants in on that sweet brace action, too, since this is his second of the season. Four of his six goals have come via braces, which is an Adi-esque stat if ever there was one.</p>
<p id="RLw8fI">But you know what neither Adi nor Armenteros have done? Scored a hat trick. And when Darwin Quintero put three in the net for <a href="https://www.epluribusloonum.com/">Minnesota United</a> last Wednesday night, it left the Timbers as the only club in MLS to have never scored a hat trick. What a crazy stat, right? All these braces, but never a hatty? Weird.</p>
<p id="WD0GVc">Armenteros was trying for the hat trick, that’s for sure. He got a bunch of chances. A <em>bunch</em>.</p>
<p id="iorN6s">Actually, hold on. This topic deserves its own degree.</p>
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<p id="hyQLV2"><strong>3) </strong>The Timbers are crushing it lately. There’s no arguing this point. 11 games unbeaten in MLS play? 8-0-3? 2.45 PPG? That’s Supporter’s Shield-level play. When your team’s doing that well, you’d have to be a real asshole to complain, right?</p>
<p id="scWfY2">Turns out, I’m a real asshole. I kinda want to complain a little. Just a tiny bit.</p>
<p id="AmrBUR">Our eight wins during this streak? Seven of them have been by one goal. The only exception was our 3-0 win over NYCFC. Everything else? 1-0. 2-1. 3-2.</p>
<p id="Xpbljs">So here’s the question that’s been worrying me lately: do the 2018 <a href="https://www.stumptownfooty.com/">Portland Timbers</a> know how to put teams to the sword? Do we know how to destroy a team, humiliate them, make them abandon hope? Or will we keep allowing opponents to hang around, keep them playing hard for the full 90, knowing that they can grab a late goal and steal a result?</p>
<p id="xiHIwb">It’s nerve-wracking. It really is. I want some 3-0 wins. Some 4-0 wins. Especially against bad teams like Seattle and San Jose.</p>
<p id="OgZkaE">Now, all that being said, it could be worse. The club’s longest unbeaten streak was back in 2013, when we ran off 15 straight without a loss. But that team’s record was actually worse. During the streak, they were 7-0-8, for a PPG of 1.93. That’s a <em>lot</em> of draws. Compare it with our current streak, when we’re 8-0-3 for a PPG of 2.45 PPG.</p>
<p id="Qboy19">Clearly, even if this team doesn’t know how to put teams to the sword, they at least know how to win. So that’s something.</p>
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<p id="zXhSs2"><strong>4) </strong>And another thing this crew’s doing better than 2013’s team? When that team got a lead, they would often switch to a defensive posture. Take their foot off the gas.</p>
<p id="yC2th4">This group, they keep attacking. They keep creating chances. In fact, they created so many chances Saturday night, I felt compelled to put them all together into one long gif. We’ll call it <em>The Timbers Trying To Put San Jose To The Sword But Not Quite Pulling It Off Mega Compilation.</em></p>
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<p id="UH6IY7">There’s a lot of frustration to be had watching those missed shots, but there’s some good, too. My favorite thing to notice? There were a few shots Saturday night that came from a moment of individual brilliance, but those were rare. More often, we were getting our shots because of really nice team soccer. Off the ball movement, giving and going, stringing together passes.</p>
<p id="DGgldn">Those are the missed shots I find the most encouraging, because they feel repeatable. Moments of brilliance? Those aren’t always repeatable. But good quality soccer? Players working together? That’s repeatable.</p>
<p id="lhsdQ8">Will it be harder against an opponent better than San Jose? Say, perhaps, LAFC next weekend? Yes, of course it will be harder. But if the Timbers keep doing all those nice things, keep playing good team soccer, the chances will come. Maybe only half as often against a better team, but that’s still gonna be a pretty high number. That’s still gonna be a lot of good opportunities, and a lot of good shots on goal.</p>
<p id="THAKG9">Now, if we can only finish them...</p>
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<p id="l85aEQ"><strong>5) </strong>Our poor finishing skills allowed San Jose to retain hope, and in the 87<sup>th</sup> minute, they put fear into all our hearts by making it a one-goal game.</p>
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<p id="cdozHx">I’m not sure who to blame on this goal. Is there a Timbers who truly blows it? Or is it just a really nice goal by San Jose?</p>
<p id="ure4UE">I’m hesitant to blame Olum. He’s marking Quincy Amarikwa pretty well. He even has help from Valeri. Amarikwa just does a really nice job holding possession and working his way out of trouble.</p>
<p id="dwlQz1">That run from <span>Florian Jungwirth</span>, do we blame <strong>Julio Cascante</strong>, since he was the closest man? Or is it just a really nice run?</p>
<p id="YM3uNF">And then Amarikwa’s gorgeous side of the foot pass to Jungwirth? Again, maybe it’s just a really nice play. Maybe there’s no one to blame there.</p>
<p id="kGpOQQ">What do you think? Is there a clear and obvious scapegoat?</p>
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<p id="l6tzc0"><strong>6) </strong>Well, here we are on our last degree, I’ve already written a fuck-ton, and I’ve still got a fuck-ton to say. There’s only one solution: a bulleted list!</p>
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<li id="irdCQp">Armenteros tries shit. Sometimes he pulls it off, sometimes he doesn’t, but at least he’s trying it.</li>
<li id="0XX37k">He has six goals in his last seven games. That’s <span>Josef Martinez</span> production, right there. And his interplay with the rest of the team – particularly Diego Valeri and <span><strong>Sebastian Blanco</strong></span> – is improving visibly.</li>
<li id="Mt3Ef4">It makes me a little sad to say this, since I’m a big Fanendo Adi fan, but I think Armenteros may be the best striker this team’s ever had. The dude’s good. Really good.</li>
<li id="n0afwa">We, of course, have no idea what formation Gio will put out there each week, but do we like <span><strong>Dairon Asprilla</strong></span> starting next to Armenteros? Or would we prefer Adi, instead? Or would we prefer only one forward and a whole bunch of midfielders? Give me your thoughts down below.</li>
<li id="A6aqim">When <strong>Alvas Powell</strong> left the game, he looked hurt, not tired. Think <strong>Vytautas Andriuskevicius</strong> will get his first start next week?</li>
<li id="Gflwzm">You’re damn right I spelled Vytas’s name correctly without looking it up!</li>
<li id="CkozRn">Speaking of back line starts, has Cascante taken that center back spot permanently? Or does <span><strong>Liam Ridgewell</strong></span> earn it back?</li>
<li id="ZYcQkr">
<span><strong>Diego Chara</strong></span> got his seventh yellow card Saturday night. His next yellow means a one-game suspension.</li>
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<span><strong>Larrys Mabiala</strong></span>’s also one yellow away from suspension.</li>
<li id="u4gyFA">Damn, I almost forgot Attinella’s save. Look at this shit! The ball was behind him! </li>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Don't worry, Jeff's got it. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PORvSJ?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PORvSJ</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RCTID?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RCTID</a> <a href="https://t.co/P5so8bvoYs">pic.twitter.com/P5so8bvoYs</a></p>— Portland Timbers (@TimbersFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/TimbersFC/status/1015816291884544005?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 8, 2018</a>
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<li id="vmWiQS">Next week will be tough. If you have to have three games in a week, the option that gives the most rest is Saturday/Wednesday/Sunday. The worst option is Sunday/Wednesday/Saturday, which is exactly what we’ll get next week. It’s gonna be brutal. Expect a <em>lot</em> of squad rotation.</li>
<li id="NxOsKu">Perhaps good, perhaps bad, the first two games are both against LAFC (one’s an MLS game, the other’s US Open Cup), so at least the team won’t have to travel. Let’s hope their hotel in LA is extra nice.</li>
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https://www.stumptownfooty.com/2018/7/8/17546654/six-degrees-only-close-winsC.I. DeMann2018-07-07T22:07:54-07:002018-07-07T22:07:54-07:00Armenteros with the brace as Portland Timbers beat San Jose Earthquakes 2-1
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<figcaption>Samuel Armenteros of the Portland Timbers in the San Jose Earthquakes box as a defender looks on in anguish. 7/7/18 | Kris Lattimore</figcaption>
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<p id="PxSUXC">The <a href="https://www.stumptownfooty.com/">Portland Timbers</a> were on the front foot for much of Saturday’s win over the <a href="https://www.centerlinesoccer.com/">San Jose Earthquakes</a>, but a late surge from the visitors led to some nervy moments as the home side saw out a 2-1 win. A brace from Samuel Armenteros, both supplied by <span>Diego Valeri</span>, were the difference as the Timbers went to 13 straight matches unbeaten in all competitions.</p>
<p id="eD8LSO">The Timbers set the tone of the match early, winning the ball in the Earthquakes’ half in the first minute and getting the ball to <span>Dairon Asprilla</span> out wide on the flank where he was dragged to the ground by center back <span>Harold Cummings</span>, earning Cummings a yellow and the Timbers a dangerous free kick. Diego Valeri stepped up to the free kick and served in a curling ball that arced away from Quakes keeper <span>Andrew Tarbell</span> and into the path of <span>Larrys Mabiala</span>, where the Timbers center back put head to ball but sent his chance just wide of the post.</p>
<p id="UOXksM">The Timbers’ early attacking stance was derailed by a series of fouls from both sides as they felt out each other and referee Ted Unkle.</p>
<p id="iBOTob">The fouls did not stop the Timbers from generating chances, however, and in the 8th minute the Timbers hit out on the break, finding Asprilla streaking down the right flank. As he was about to enter the San Jose box with the ball at his feet, Asprilla slipped to the turf but turned his tumble into a back pass to find Valeri’s trailing run in space outside the box. Taking a touch forward, Valeri whipped a skipping shot toward goal that had Tarbell sprawling out to make the save only for it go just wide of the far post.</p>
<p id="FLXIJR">In the 14th minute of largely one-way traffic, the Timbers finally found their opener. After winning the ball in the San Jose half, the Timbers got the ball to the feet of Valeri and the Maestro played a perfectly weighted ball for the run of Samuel Armenteros, who was lurking off the back shoulder of his defender on the Earthquakes back line. Armenteros took a touch forward and, with only Tarbell between him and the opener, slotted the ball inside the near post to put the Timbers up 1-0.</p>
<p id="UhaKb8">The Timbers almost struck again in the 24th minute as a rolling through ball from Valeri found the run of Alvas Powell, pushing forward from his full back spot. Powell drove to the end line, skinning a defender along the way, before cutting a ball back to the feet of Armenteros in the box. With Tarbell charging him down, Armenteros got off a quick, strong shot, only for Tarbell to make a heroic save with his face, sending the ball spinning away from goal and out of the path of the arriving Timbers reinforcements.</p>
<p id="EbjE5C">The Timbers flow was interrupted midway through the half by a pair of San Jose injuries. After several long stoppages, the Timbers seemed to have taken the foot off the gas and the Earthquakes looked to take advantage, pressing forward and leading to some nervy moments that somehow went unpunished for the home side. </p>
<p id="oGsXRK">The Timbers seemed to break out of their funk in the final minutes of the first half and in the 44th minute Armenteros came close to scoring what would have been among the most spectacular goals ever recorded in a Timbers kit. A long throw-in from Powell into the San Jose box looked ready to drop to the Swedish forward’s chest, but instead of bringing it down, Armenteros created a slight seperation from the defender on his back and threw himself into a first-time bicycle kick that sent the ball racing toward goal, only for Tarbell to touch it wide just before it snuck in at the near post.</p>
<p id="KXPt9b">The Quakes did manage a good chance to pull the game even in first half stoppage time when a chipped-in ball found Vako with his back to goal in the Timbers box. With a defender on his back, Vako managed to turn and get a shot off only to pull the chance wide of goal.</p>
<p id="kZdXLX">As play resumed in the second half, it was clear that the Timbers were back in charge of the match and in the 52nd minute they had their second goal of the night. A long throw from <span>Jeff Attinella</span> to Valeri started the Timbers on the break down the pitch and the Maestro helped the ball on and again into the path of Armenteros making a diagonal run into the San Jose box. Shrugging off a pair of defenders, Armenteros kept his balance and slipped a low shot beneath Tarbell to put the Timbers up 2-0.</p>
<p id="QN3M8d">The Earthquakes nearly pulled a goal back in spectacular fashion in the 60th minute when Magnus Eriksson found Quincy Amarikwa pulling away from his man in the Timbers box. Eriksson’s curling cross dropped just behind Amarikwa and the San Jose striker threw himself into an overhead kick that made strong contact and looked destined to score, only for Attinella to make a diving, one-handed save that kept the ball from crossing the line.</p>
<p id="3ncYRP">With the shutout still intact, the Timbers poured on the pressure, working the ball around and into the San Jose box, culminating in a close range Armenteros shot in the 66th minute that forced Tarbell into his fourth save of the night.</p>
<p id="fGa1Ap">The Earthquakes were not completely out of the match and in the 83rd minute Vako had his second chance of the night when a ball forward skipped past Powell and into the path of his run. With Powell on his back and Attinella rushing toward him, the pressure was just enough to put Vako off and the San Jose forward put his shot up and over the bar.</p>
<p id="XKnKuJ">Despite the Timbers’ control of much of the match, the Earthquakes were throwing men forward in desperation mode in the final minutes of the match and in the 87th it paid off. With the ball at his feet, Amarikwa cut inside before playing and outside of the boot through ball into the box for Florian Jungworth. Leaving his defender behind, Jungworth got off a low shot that Attinella was able to get a touch on, but could not stop from rolling over the end line and pulling the Quakes back within one.</p>
<p id="UhV4aD">With a point in sight, the Earthquakes threw everything they had forward, but could not find the equalizer before the final whistle as the Timbers held on for the 2-1 win.</p>
<p id="NEc0gq">The Timbers are back on the road for their next match one week from Sunday when they will take on Los Angeles FC in a match that could see them pass up the expansion side on the Western Conference table.</p>
https://www.stumptownfooty.com/2018/7/7/17545236/armenteros-with-the-brace-as-portland-timbers-beat-san-jose-earthquakes-2-1William Conwell2018-07-07T21:59:21-07:002018-07-07T21:59:21-07:00Goal: Armenteros nets his brace
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<figcaption>Samuel Armenteros celebrating his second goal of the night!</figcaption>
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<p>BOOM!</p> <p id="Xj2PGw">Armenteros again!</p>
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<p id="DAW2QT">This was a great attack from the Timbers, a total team goal. <span>Jeff Attinella</span> started with the roll out to Blanco who would race down the field passing it off to Diego Valeri. The Maestro would get down to conducting a nice through pass, where Armenteros would put together a great individual effort to go near post and put the Timbers up 2-0. </p>
https://www.stumptownfooty.com/2018/7/7/17545378/goal-armenteros-nets-his-brace-diego-valeri-sebastian-blanco-jeff-attinellaTimm Higgins2018-07-07T21:07:15-07:002018-07-07T21:07:15-07:00Goal: Samuel Armenteros Slots home the Opener
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<figcaption>Kris Lattimore 2018</figcaption>
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<p>Silky moves from Arementeros</p> <p id="7pM6S7">A great start to the night!</p>
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<p id="tpaTvD">This whole sequence started at midfield with <span>Lawrence Olum</span> intercepting a errant San Jose pass. Olum would then pass it to Armenteros who would the leave it to <span>Diego Valeri</span>, where Valeri did Valeri things, passing the ball back to Armenteros, who simply beats his man to slot the goal home. Putting the Timbers in the lead 1-0.</p>
https://www.stumptownfooty.com/2018/7/7/17545292/goal-samuel-armenteros-slots-home-the-opener-diego-valeri-lawrence-olumTimm Higgins2018-07-07T17:04:58-07:002018-07-07T17:04:58-07:00Portland Timbers vs. San Jose Earthquakes: How to watch, preview, match chat [8:00]
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<figcaption>Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p id="2j2VMF">The <a href="https://www.stumptownfooty.com/">Portland Timbers</a> have returned from last weekend’s away win over the <a href="https://www.sounderatheart.com/">Seattle Sounders</a> and are now set to host the last place <a href="https://www.centerlinesoccer.com/">San Jose Earthquakes</a> in a bid to extend their unbeaten run to thirteen games. A win could move the Timbers within striking distance of second place in the West, while the Visitors are simply hoping to keep pace with the Sounders and the <a href="https://www.burgundywave.com/">Colorado Rapids</a> in the basement of the conference.</p>
<p id="hFIgWg">Freah off last week’s 3-2 thriller, the Timbers will be looking to lock down San Jose and put together their fifth shutout of the season under the guidance of <span>Jeff Attinella</span>.</p>
<h4 id="FpUc8R">Previews</h4>
<p id="VH5lgX"><a href="https://www.stumptownfooty.com/2018/7/6/17539054/portland-timbers-vs-san-jose-earthquakes-sebastian-blanco-diego-valeri-chris-wondolowski-mls">Storylines</a>: “As far as the Timbers go, I think I may give up trying to guess what formation Gio is going to roll out. The last two weeks I’ve been off the mark, from a three in the back get up, to a 4-4-2 diamond last week. And seeing as we’re at home, who knows what we’ll see. Though whatever formation it is, I’d expect Armenteros to once again get the start especially if he goes with the diamond.”</p>
<p id="Ykni2Y"><em>Stop by the </em><a href="https://www.stumptownfooty.com/2018/7/6/17531860/stumptown-footy-prediction-thread-rose-city-forecast-16-portland-timbers-vs-san-jose-earthquakes"><em>Rose City Forecast</em></a><em> to make your predictions about today’s match.</em></p>
<h4 id="HiyXFY">Match Information</h4>
<p id="NiiNGz"><strong>Watch it on:</strong> ROOT Sports</p>
<p id="jy27Oo"><strong>Where:</strong> Providence Park in Portland, OR</p>
<p id="7l7UCr"><strong>When: </strong>Saturday, July 7th at 8:00 p.m. PT</p>
<p id="NTwjJL"><strong>Portland Timbers:</strong> 7-3-5, 5th place in the Western Conference, won 3-2 at Seattle Sounders</p>
<p id="p9AWzw"><strong>San Jose Earthquakes:</strong> 2-9-6, 12th place in the Western Conference, drew 3-3 versus <a href="https://www.lagconfidential.com/">LA Galaxy</a></p>
https://www.stumptownfooty.com/2018/7/7/17544798/portland-timbers-vs-san-jose-earthquakes-how-to-watch-preview-match-chat-8-00-mls-previewWilliam Conwell2018-07-06T14:38:42-07:002018-07-06T14:38:42-07:00Rose City Forecast 16: Portland Timbers vs San Jose Earthquakes
<figure>
<img alt="MLS: Portland Timbers at San Jose Earthquakes" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/gGTOKmzs4ho7wtzDItpyQ2zM3hw=/0x875:2300x2408/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/60288963/usa_today_10822143.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="XjYGy0">Welcome back to another week at the <em>Stumptown Footy</em> prediction thread!</p>
<p id="8j8LvH">As you might be aware, last weekend the <a href="https://www.stumptownfooty.com/">Portland Timbers</a> traveled up Interstate 5 to face the spiraling <a href="https://www.sounderatheart.com/">Seattle Sounders</a> and came away with their first regular season win at Century Link. Neither side broke through in the first half, but when the teams came back to the field after the break, goals started to flow. The Timbers broke through first, thanks to <span>Larrys Mabiala</span>’s header from a <span>Diego Valeri</span> corner kick. Alas, Seattle would equalize two short minutes later. Another six minutes passed, and the Timbers got to score again, thanks to Samuel Armenteros and a great pass by Diego Valeri. Eleven more minutes, and another goal as Seattle equalized for a second time. Thankfully, the Timbers came away with the third and final goal when Mabiala got his second of the match from another Valeri corner, giving the maestro his third assist of the game. This time, the Timbers refused to let Seattle equalize, and they walked away with a deserved 3-2 win.</p>
<p id="IaQt45">Sorry, again no standings. Traveling this week and weekend!</p>
<p id="Coku6F">This weekend the Timbers return to Providence Park to welcome the <a href="https://www.centerlinesoccer.com/">San Jose Earthquakes</a> in a match that has ‘trap game’ written all over it. How so? Well, San Jose is the second worst team league-wide (Sorry D.C.), the Timbers are at home, and they’re on a ten game unbeaten run. PTFC sits on 1.73 points per game while the Earthquakes have less than half that at 0.71. By almost every reasonable measure, this is a game the Timbers should win comfortably. But in San Jose’s favor, they can score goals. They have 28 of them, four more than the Timbers. It’s just their defense that’s letting them down. So if the Timbers get the scoring yips, or San Jose figures out how to play defense, the game could turn ugly. Again, it shouldn’t. However, this is MLS, where anything can happen in any week. Can the Timbers get the expected three points, or will they overlook San Jose to their woe?</p>
<p id="cRXLO7"><strong>Total Cards O/U:</strong> 4.5</p>
<p id="CHLal8"><strong>The Scoring Format:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li id="0NrGoq">Correct score: 5 points</li>
<li id="2Q1WmB">Correct result (draw/win/loss): 3 points</li>
<li id="JggUF9">Each clean sheet: 2 points</li>
<li id="2NHVpf">Each goal-scorer: 1 point</li>
<li id="4wRTnr">Each FK/PK/assist/lack of assist: 1 point</li>
<li id="v5Q9rc">Goal/assist bonus: 1 point</li>
<li id="xz51E2">Player with the first yellow card of the match: 1 point</li>
<li id="m49TBn">Each player with a red card: 1 point (Can<strong>not</strong> earn points for predicting 0 red cards, but you may predict up to 3 players with a red.)</li>
<li id="AGYUNc">Over/under on total cards: 1 point</li>
<li id="DnaLTZ">Most outrageous(ly accurate) prediction: 2 points</li>
</ul>
<p id="fHfMEd"><strong>Some ground rules and explanations/clarifications (the fine print):</strong></p>
<p id="mA9ASM"><small>You may amend your prediction at any point up to kick off to account for game day 18 announcements. I recommend at least getting an initial prediction sooner, just in case you forget to come back in that hour or two before the game.</small></p>
<p id="JuiHQw"><small><em>Keep your scoreline predictions realistic.</em></small><small> Basically, if you’re predicting lots of goals all the time to just earn points on goals and assists and ignoring the score, I feel that goes against the spirit of this thread. This hasn’t been at all a problem in the last two years, so let’s keep it that way!</small></p>
<p id="Hgeopn"><small>The goal/assist bonus is an additional point if you correctly get the correct scorer and assistant on the same goal. (e.g., if Nagbe scores, assisted by Valeri, and you predicted that exact combination you get a total of three points - 1 goal, 1 assist, 1 bonus. However, if you predicted Nagbe scores assisted by Adi and Adi scores assisted by Valeri, you would get two points from the Nagbe/Valeri prediction - 1 goal, 1 assist)</small></p>
<p id="PKRZ71"><small>Please be clear whether you think a goal will be unassisted, assisted, or from a PK/FK. Unassisted = no assist, run of play; Assisted = player who got the assist; PK/FK = directly from a free kick. For the purposes of this thread, a PK counts as a FK, and a FK as a PK. If you just leave the assist section blank, I will assume you’re declining to make an assist prediction.</small></p>
<p id="nv6l3o"><small>Even though a player can be awarded a secondary assist by OPTA, I will award a maximum of one assist point per goal. But that point can come from either the primary or secondary assist in the box score. However, please keep your predictions to one assist per goal.</small></p>
<p id="2MvDEH"><small>For the over/under on cards, a second yellow leading to a red counts as two cards, not three.</small></p>
<p id="5ZHl6l"><small>You may predict more than one red card if you’re expecting a chippy match, but only up to three total.</small></p>
<p id="9hxrwv"><small>For the most outrageous(ly accurate) prediction, I will be trying to toe a line between completely absurd and mundane in my choices. As I see it, the goal here is to add even more fun without going too over-the-top ridiculous. So, in my mind, the best predictions will be something that could conceivably happen, but don’t happen often, like amusing coaching spats or goals that bounce off the crossbar, then off the keeper’s back, and then in. Things like that.</small></p>
<p id="VfLDUG"><small>If you’re looking for where I set the over/under on total cards, check the end of the preview paragraph after the standings.</small></p>
<p id="ojZx8f"><small><strong>Format:</strong></small></p>
<p id="osEYgb"><small>In the comment title, post your predicted score with the winners, eg: 4-2 Timbers</small></p>
<p id="MDqtMe"><small>In the body of your comment, start with the goals and assists, like so:</small></p>
<p id="uMIHCL"><small>Nagbe (Valeri)</small></p>
<p id="VmlDiF"><small>Valeri (Free kick)</small></p>
<p id="MnWKja"><small>Adi (PK)</small></p>
<p id="ycmK1t"><small>Blanco (Unassisted)</small></p>
<p id="ucjHJ3"><small>Beckham (Free kick)</small></p>
<p id="Pvq8aR"><small>Donovan (Beckham)</small></p>
<p id="snMO6G"><small>Next, choose your first yellow card, and that means picking only one person.</small></p>
<p id="O0A6mG"><small>First yellow to </small><span><small><strong>Nigel De Jong</strong></small></span></p>
<p id="O18L0j"><small>Then reds, if any. (NOTE: no points awarded for correctly calling a red-card-free match, so take a guess.)</small></p>
<p id="DKzhHp"><small>Nigel De Jong gets a red card for stomping Blanco.</small></p>
<p id="3IfGg1"><small>Clearly note whether you’re predicting over or under on total cards. Don’t leave me to try and figure it out!</small></p>
<p id="GsRF8c"><small>And lastly, make your fun prediction.</small></p>
<p id="LpGvcr"><small>Nigel de Jong tries to stomp Nagbe’s ankle again, but this time, Nagbe avoids the tackle. Being angry Nagbe for the first time in three years, he kicks the ball straight into NDJ’s groin. Camera pans to a trademark Chara smile.</small></p>
<p id="Q0taVQ"><strong>As always, any questions about anything?</strong></p>
<p id="azUN28"></p>
https://www.stumptownfooty.com/2018/7/6/17531860/stumptown-footy-prediction-thread-rose-city-forecast-16-portland-timbers-vs-san-jose-earthquakesCR McNeil2018-07-06T12:00:01-07:002018-07-06T12:00:01-07:00Storylines: Portland Timbers vs San Jose Earthquakes
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<img alt="MLS: U.S. Open Cup-Portland Timbers vs San Jose" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/-LtD8Qb1gM9TlMk0zrjYOjyK7n0=/0x0:2946x1964/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/60285241/usa_today_10878526.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Rose City Til I Die!</p> <h3 id="bxCNmE">The Story So Far</h3>
<p id="03Q5EC">12 straight across all competitions; how’s that feel folks?</p>
<p id="3l0vDu">To say the Timbers had a big weekend is an understatement. They snagged their first MLS win at Seattle and a <span>Larrys Mabiala</span> brace. With that win, the Timbers have record of 7-0-3 in the last 10 MLS matches and currently sit fifth in the Western Conference.</p>
<p id="7rblcz">After a brief trip up I-5, the Timbers return home to face the last place <a href="https://www.centerlinesoccer.com/">San Jose Earthquakes</a>, who are currently on an eight game winless streak. Their last result was a 3-3 tie against arch-rivals LA Galaxy. This will be the second time (in MLS) the Timbers and Quakes have met this season, the first being back on May 5th in San Jose. Diego Valeri netted the game winner and the games only goal in the 88th minute.</p>
<p id="3Tq8Nv">Let it be known that the Timbers have never lost to San Jose at Providence Park.</p>
<p id="C31Uk4"></p>
<h3 id="cZfXAB">Chalkboard</h3>
<p id="F02gVa">Over the course of the 2018 MLS season, San Jose Head Coach Mikael Stahre has used six different formations. He seems to have settled on a 4-4-2, having used it 12 times this season, and most likely will use it again come this weekend.</p>
<p id="Qsj1eX">The two top scorers for the Quakes are <span>Danny Hoesen</span> with 10 and six by the ever present and 155 year-old Chris Wondolowski. Wondo is actually just five goals behind Landon Donovan as the leagues all-time top goal scorer. He just came off his 20th multiple goal game in that draw with L.A. Galaxy. </p>
<p id="Lh6MwF">Look for <span>Florian Jungwirth</span> to be the lone defensive mid with his midfield partner Anibel Godoy pushing up into the attack more. I would expect with two banks of four that the fullbacks won’t get too high in the attack.</p>
<p id="synZoW">As far as the Timbers go, I think I may give up trying to guess what formation Gio is going to roll out. The last two weeks I’ve been off the mark, from a three in the back get up, to a 4-4-2 diamond last week. And seeing as we’re at home, who knows what we’ll see. Though whatever formation it is, I’d expect Armenteros to once again get the start especially if he goes with the diamond.</p>
<p id="tYiqQi">Early in the week, Adi was listed as questionable, but has now been taken off the injury list which would leave me to believe he’ll be available for selection against the Earthquakes. Only three Timbers remain on the injured list as “Questionable” : <span>Roy Miller</span>(!), <span>Sebastian Blanco</span> and Cristhian Paredes; the latter two listed with a right thigh injury. </p>
<p id="I8rETX">With Polo back, I could see him starting in the place of Paredes, if Paredes isn’t ready to go. The other question with Ridgy not being on the list is who starts at center-back. With Cascante doing well, does he bench the player that’s been playing on a regular basis or go with a guy that hasn’t played in a few weeks. As it was said in the best baseball movie ever, Bull Durham, “You don’t f**k with a streak”.</p>
<p id="i0PIWD"></p>
<h3 id="V6wuo1">Lucky 13</h3>
<p id="2DL4qg">The Timbers have the chance to nail down a 13-match unbeaten run across all competitions. After a terrible start to the season the Timbers and Giovanni Savarese have turned things on their head and things are coming together. I look back at a couple pre-season articles that just skimmed over the Timbers (Doyle, I’m looking at you).</p>
<p id="v5hbMa">With a win, the Timbers could leapfrog RSL into fourth place. The only reason Real Salt Lake is in 4th is due to their having played three more matches than the Timbers. Climbing the table with games in hand is a nice place to be.</p>
<p id="x0eWL3">While nothing should be a ‘gimme’, the Earthquakes are 1-5-3 on the road and, like I mentioned, they just don’t win at Providence Park. That shouldn’t change at the end of 90 minutes this weekend.</p>
<p id="ZSDrMh">The Timbers are playing fantastic football right now; whatever Gio is doing it’s working and I don’t want it to stop. This team is only going to get better as the season grinds on. It’ll be a test in the dog days of summer if the Timbers can continue this run of form. I’m pretty confident we’re on the path to the playoffs. </p>
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https://www.stumptownfooty.com/2018/7/6/17539054/portland-timbers-vs-san-jose-earthquakes-sebastian-blanco-diego-valeri-chris-wondolowski-mlsTimm Higgins