Stumptown Footy - Portland Timbers vs LAFC: Coverage HubYou are my sunshine, my only sunshine.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/31537/stumptown-fave.jpg2018-07-16T17:00:01-07:00http://www.stumptownfooty.com/rss/stream/173379532018-07-16T17:00:01-07:002018-07-16T17:00:01-07:00Six Degrees: Ugly Game, Beautiful Point
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<p>Portland 0, LAFC 0</p> <p id="D6jPCe">It was hot, it was sweaty, and it was ugly. No, I’m not talking about the back seat of my car on prom night (bada bing!). I’m talking about this week’s Timbers game. On the road, in the sun and heat, against a great team who score goals by the bushel? That’s a 0-0 draw I’ll definitely take. To the prom. (bada bing?)</p>
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<p id="oU1jU6"><strong>1) </strong>Sunday’s 0-0 road draw against LAFC wasn’t the most pleasant game to watch. High temperatures and a cloudless afternoon made for hot, sweaty players whose minds wanted to play soccer, but whose bodies would have preferred a nice little nap in the shade. It led to a game where you could almost see the players wilting. As the clock ticked on, the attacks came slower, the bursts of speed came less often, and by the end, the Timbers were clearly happy to kick the ball back and forth, wait for the referee to blow his whistle, and get out of there with a 0-0 draw.</p>
<p id="k1HWCM">And hey, a road draw against a good team is always a nice thing, right? A few weeks back, we had to do it against league-leading Atlanta. This time, we had to do it against an LAFC team that came into the weekend tied with Dallas atop the Western Conference standings and had banged in a conference-best 41 goals. Did the Timbers have a chance? Could Gio Savarese work some more of his magic?</p>
<p id="dkbu62">Yes. Yes, he could.</p>
<p id="MZTzDJ">The Timbers came out in a 5-3-2, with jack-of-all-trades <span><strong>Lawrence Olum</strong></span> switching from defensive midfield to third center back, right between <span><strong>Larrys Mabiala</strong></span><strong> </strong>and<strong> Julio Cascante</strong>. This was pretty much the exact same thing we did against Atlanta, and just like then, it worked.</p>
<p id="XTIz7X">With a full eight players manning the box and the area immediately in front of it, LAFC was rarely able to get anything going offensively. They had some shots from deep, plus a few open looks off set pieces, but for the most part, they spent the day frustratedly banging on our front door, but never getting in.</p>
<p id="pfJXlp">The 5-man backline’s a tool Gio’s pulled out of the toolbox twice this year, and both times, it’s worked. Will we see it again? Perhaps whenever we play a scary offense? Or maybe it’s just for road games? Or hell, maybe Gio will use it randomly, so the opposing team won’t be expecting it?</p>
<p id="QtdPNF">Clearly, I don’t have the answers, I’m just asking the questions. But I do know that, once again, Gio’s plan worked, Sunday’s game was played on our terms, we’re up to 12-straight unbeaten in MLS play, and I’m starting to think that, if Gio Savarese’s not the top candidate for MLS Coach of the Year, he’s in the top two. The only guy who might have a better case is LAFC’s Bob Bradley, who, ohbytheway, Gio just took a road point from.</p>
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<p id="C4YOhl"><strong>2) </strong>With all that heat and all that sun, neither team ever broke through. But despite the lack of goals, the Timbers did create some chances, a few of them very good. I’ve put them all together into another mega compilation.</p>
<p id="swh7XU">Actually, I’m pretty sure that should be all-caps. MEGA COMPILATION.</p>
<p id="NGnZHa">And probably bolded, too. And italicized. With some exclamation points. <em><strong>MEGA COMPILATION!!!!</strong></em> </p>
<p id="zLSAsj">Okay, I’ll stop now.</p>
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<div id="1JzT5A"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://gfycat.com/ifr/NaturalSparseBilby" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div></div>
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<p id="bHXCBz">Yes, I know there were some shots I didn’t include, but, sadly, I don’t have the footage. Blame the guy who puts together the official highlight reel. Regardless, the <em><strong>MEGA COMPILATION!!!!</strong></em> still shows some more-than-decent chances, especially the one where <strong>Samuel Armenteros</strong> banged it off the far post. The Timbers definitely could’ve grabbed a goal or two.</p>
<p id="9ezaaB">And a goal or two is all it would have taken, because down at the other end of the field...</p>
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<p id="gGAiwo"><strong>3) </strong>… <span><strong>Jeff Attinella</strong></span> was pitching another shutout,</p>
<p id="vU74lv">It was Dadtinella’s 5<sup>th</sup> shutout in 11 starts this year, which is damn impressive. I wouldn’t call it his most impressive shutout, though, simply because he didn’t have to make any impressive stops. Take a look at LAFC’s shot compilation and count the number of times they hit the ball right into Jeff’s hands. (Again, some LAFC shots are missing. Again, blame the guy who puts together the official highlight reel.)</p>
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<p id="Y7A2XR">Nothing too amazing, right? Yeah, there were some quick-reflex stops, but even those were pretty much right into his hands.</p>
<p id="Z1vRNs">Just know that I feel bad casting doubt on the quality of this shutout. Forgive me. I still think Jeff’s awesome. I thought he controlled his box really well, he communicated, and he made the stops he had to make. He’s still leading the league in Goals Against Average (0.73) and Save Percentage (85.7), he’s still the only ‘keeper who hasn’t lost a game, and if he keeps it up, he should definitely be in the running for MLS Goalkeeper of the Year.</p>
<p id="C2sAOg">That being said, I hope all his saves are as easy as these were.</p>
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<p id="11qxCU"><strong>4) </strong>Storytime: maybe three or four years ago, mlssoccer.com’s always-brilliant <a href="https://twitter.com/MattDoyle76">Matt Doyle</a> wrote a piece listing the best two or three players at each position. Maybe it was for an All-Star game or an end of the year Best XI, I can’t remember. What I do remember is that <span><strong>Diego Chara</strong></span>’s name was nowhere to be found. Down in the comments, I asked why Chara hadn’t made it, and Doyle answered something like “I can think of 4 or 5 defensive midfielders above him.” (I have no documentation of this, btw, you’re just going to have to trust my semi-reliable memory.)</p>
<p id="JDsCwF">Anyway, fast-forward to Sunday afternoon, and Doyle’s tweeting this. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">That game was awful but also a good entry in my "actually Diego Chara's a top 3 MVP candidate this year" argument. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LAFCvPOR?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LAFCvPOR</a></p>— Matthew Doyle (@MattDoyle76) <a href="https://twitter.com/MattDoyle76/status/1018648305394384896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 16, 2018</a>
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<p id="zYGTZ3">And then on Monday morning, <a href="https://twitter.com/CharlieDavies9">Charlie Davies</a> posted this article <a href="https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2018/07/15/davies-world-cup-champion-diego-chara-reminds-me">praising Chara to the heavens</a>.</p>
<p id="Wc2vUR">So here’s my question: why is everyone finally appreciating Chara? Has he gotten a lot better in the last few years? Have the other d-mids gotten a lot worse? Or is Chara playing exactly the same as always, only now the rest of the world’s finally noticed?</p>
<p id="f0OOyb">I think it’s the latter. I think Chara’s been doing this the entire time he’s been in the league, but no one outside of Portland ever noticed. I’ve literally never seen a Timbers game where Chara wasn’t running for 90+ minutes, snuffing out attacks, starting counter-attacks, putting out fires, blowing dudes up, walking the fine line between foul and yellow card, and basically making the top of the box a no-fly zone for opposing attackers.</p>
<p id="AWzVPX">You and I, we’ve understood and appreciated Chara since the moment he entered the league. The rest of the world’s finally catching up. Better late than never, I guess.</p>
<p id="26jY66">Now, about that MLS All-Star Game...</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Who is the best <a href="https://twitter.com/MLS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MLS</a> player to never make an All-Star team?</p>— C.I. DeMann (@CIDeMann) <a href="https://twitter.com/CIDeMann/status/1012788317270622208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 29, 2018</a>
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<p id="PU9W7q"><strong>5) </strong>A few random thoughts.</p>
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<li id="P6X0Us">We’re halfway through the year and I still don’t know what <strong>Andy Polo</strong> is. He’s certainly not a <em>bad</em> player, but is he a good player? If he’s good, what kind of good is he? Is he a hold-possession-in-the-middle-of-the-field-Darlington-Nagbe-type of good? Or is he something else? Gimme your Polo thoughts down below.</li>
<li id="VelMC2">Also give me your Gio substitution thoughts, because I can’t figure them out. You saw that he only used two subs, right? On a hot, exhausting day, where everyone’s dragging ass, he left a sub on the bench. That’s Porter-esque, isn’t it? Another confusing thing? All the defensive subs. Three times this year, he’s subbed on <strong>Vytautus Andriuskevicius</strong>. Another three times, he’s subbed on <strong>Bill Tuiloma</strong>. Another three, <strong>Lawrence Olum</strong>. Once, <strong>Julio Cascante</strong>. And these aren’t someone-got-hurt-in-the-first-half subs. These are two-minutes-left-in-the-game subs. I’m not saying this is wrong, I’m just saying it’s unusual and I don’t fully understand it. Gimme your thoughts.</li>
<li id="1hutUq">I have a small collection of gifs labeled “Blanco Being Blanco.” They’re basically just a historical record of all the times <span><strong>Sebastian Blanco</strong></span> tried and failed to start a bench-clearing brawl. I’m trying to decide if this gif should make the list.</li>
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<div id="x69JqA"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://gfycat.com/ifr/GrossUniqueJackal" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div></div>
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<p id="FwD9pD">Does this clip show “Blanco Being Blanco?” Or does it show someone having a completely appropriate response to getting spiked right next to their baby-maker? I think it’s the latter. I think if Lee Nguyen were to spike Pope Francis in that same spot, his Holiness would probably have the exact same reaction. Not that I want to see this. (I kinda do, actually.)</p>
<ul><li id="FalOBR">The <em><strong>MEGA COMPILATION!!!! </strong></em>up above doesn’t include this beauty. Enjoy.</li></ul>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Brilliant skill and close control by Diego Valeri to dance into the box, but Tyler Miller did well to snatch the ball before he could shoot. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tekkers?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tekkers</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LAFCvPOR?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LAFCvPOR</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LAFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LAFC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PTFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PTFC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RCTID?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RCTID</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MLS?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MLS</a> <a href="https://t.co/ISD2zPDK2X">pic.twitter.com/ISD2zPDK2X</a></p>— Jason Foster (@JogaBonito_USA) <a href="https://twitter.com/JogaBonito_USA/status/1018646368095756288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2018</a>
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<ul><li id="BpgeAV">And finally, here’s a photo of <strong>Larrys Mabiala</strong> watching his home country play in the World Cup final. Larrys is honestly becoming one of my favorite Timbers. He just seems like a really good dude.</li></ul>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">This is how Larrys Mabiala watches <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FRA?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FRA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldCup?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldCup</a> <a href="https://t.co/Ha2u4XE2yE">pic.twitter.com/Ha2u4XE2yE</a></p>— Portland Timbers (@TimbersFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/TimbersFC/status/1018521094477602816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 15, 2018</a>
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<p id="DvnxHx"><strong>6) </strong>I hope the Timbers liked LAFC’s new stadium, because they’ll be playing there again on Wednesday night. It’s the quarterfinals of the US Open Cup and we’ll be playing LAFC for the second time in four days.</p>
<p id="U4B2U0">Will we play the same 5-3-2 formation? Mmmmmmmaybe. Or maybe not. Maybe Gio will want to throw something new at them. Perhaps he’ll roll out that 1-2-3-4 I’ve been dreaming of every night for the last three weeks. (Don’t judge me.)</p>
<p id="m3wtre">Will we play the same players? Almost certainly not, since, one, they’re tired, and two, they’ve got another game on Saturday. But maybe a few will play. Diego Chara, almost certainly, since, one, he doesn’t <em>get</em> tired, and two, he’ll be suspended for Saturday’s game, so why not use him while you can.</p>
<p id="geNZrI">Who else plays a second straight game? Maybe either <span><strong>Diego Valeri</strong></span> or Sebastian Blanco? To run the offense? Maybe Jeff Attinella? Because, you know, keepers?</p>
<p id="jpnW1i">The truth is, with Gio showing us this year how much depth the first team has, and also after seeing some T2 guys play in our previous US Open games, I wouldn’t feel too hopeless if our lineup was nothing but second-stringers. <span><strong>Fanendo Adi</strong></span><strong> </strong>and<strong> </strong><span><strong>Dairon Asprilla</strong></span> up front? I have zero problem with that. <strong>Andres Flores </strong>and<strong> </strong><span><strong>David Guzman</strong></span> in the middle? Bring it on! Vytas and Tuiloma in the back? I trust those guys. And there’s a whole slew of young guns I’d enjoy seeing. <span><strong>Jeremy Ebobisse</strong></span><strong> </strong>and<strong> Foster Langsdorf</strong>? <strong>Eryk Williamson</strong>,<strong> Renzo Zambrano</strong>, and<strong> Marvin Loria</strong>? All five of those kids have looked good every time I’ve seen them. And, hell, what about Gresham’s own <span><strong>Marco Farfan</strong></span>? Put him in, Coach, he’s ready to play!</p>
<p id="JlBvD2">But not only does Gio need to think about Wednesday night, he also needs to think about Saturday, because guess who’s coming to town? The Montreal Impact, who’ve been surprisingly frisky as of late. After starting the year 4-10-0 (0.86 PPG), they’ve played at a Supporter’s Shield level since, going 6-2-0 (2.25 PPG) in their last eight, and finding themselves in the Eastern Conference’s sixth and final playoff spot. Is it all smoke and mirrors, or is Montreal a genuinely good team? And what’s with the lack of draws? Did you notice they haven’t drawn a single game the entire year? It’s all W’s and L’s. How is that possible?</p>
<p id="1ygm8f">Anyway, the point is, Montreal’s a much more dangerous matchup than they once were. Making things even harder, we’ll be playing them without Chara, who’ll be sitting this one out due to yellow card accumulation. The Timbers are 0-11-7 with a -21 goal differential in their last 18 games without Chara.</p>
<p id="gfFLmM">Which streak gets broken on Saturday? Our 12 games unbeaten in MLS streak? Or our 18 games winless without Chara streak? There’s only one way to find out. See you Saturday night at the park.</p>
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https://www.stumptownfooty.com/2018/7/16/17578912/six-degrees-ugly-game-beautiful-pointC.I. DeMann2018-07-15T17:12:35-07:002018-07-15T17:12:35-07:00All even as Portland Timbers draw Los Angeles FC 0-0
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<img alt="MLS: Portland Timbers at Los Angeles FC" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/WyMCN17UINLMJqS-sDhto3nuntI=/0x0:2808x1872/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/60377107/usa_today_10956409.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p id="FF7y4W">The <a href="https://www.stumptownfooty.com/">Portland Timbers</a> went to California looking to play lock-down defense in Sunday afternoon’s match against expansion side Los Angeles FC, and they were successful, taking a point in a scoreless draw. Despite only taking a single point, the Timbers end the day with their now fourteen match unbeaten run intact and having moved into fourth place on the Western Conference table.</p>
<p id="KjjHWA">Under early pressure from the home side, the Timbers were able to put together the first real chance of the match in the 4th minute. Working the ball down the flank, <span>Sebastian Blanco</span> played <span>Zarek Valentin</span>, playing as a wing back in the Timbers’ five man defensive line, to the end line. Receiving the ball, Valentin chipped a cross over the crowd in the center of the box and found the run of Alvas Powell at the back post. As the ball set up for him, Powell hit a strong volley, but could not steer his attempt on goal.</p>
<p id="fj3gkc">Moments later, the Timbers came even closer to opening the scoring when the Black and Gold restarted play off the ensuing goal kick. When LAFC keeper <span>Tyler Miller</span> played the ball short to MLS veteran <span>Benny Feilhaber</span>, <span>Diego Valeri</span> was there to pick the pocket of the midfielder and drive toward goal. With only Miller in front of him, Valeri looked to pick out the post with a side-footed shot, but the keeper sprawled out and was able to tip the ball wide.</p>
<p id="ogmy86">After weathering the early Timbers chances, LAFC were able to put their stamp on the match, holding the ball for long stretches at a time. Still, the Timbers were able to find more chances on the counter, and Powell and Valeri forced saves from Miller in the 11th and 17th minutes, respectively.</p>
<p id="fp2ejp">The pressure from the Black and Gold amounted to one particularly nervy moment for the Timbers in the 19th minute. After working the ball around the Timbers’ box, LAFC got it to the feet of young designated player <span>Diego Rossi</span> out wide on the flank. Whipping in a cross that curled toward goal, Rossi found the run of full back Steven Beitashour in on goal only for the ball to skim off the head of the LAFC player and run out for a goal kick.</p>
<p id="OHsW6k">With LAFC keeping the pressure on, in the 31st minute rookie <span>João Moutinho</span> played a scooped pass over the Timbers back line for the run of striker Adama Diomande. In on goal, the ball dropped in front of Diomande, and LAFC’s leading scorer hit the ball first time from close in. Diomande’s shot was on goal, but the reflexes of <span>Jeff Attinella</span> kept him from opening the scoring, pushing the ball off the post and out of bounds.</p>
<p id="A1pW7A">The Timbers were able to find another strong chance early in the second half when Valentin was able to slip Samuel Armenteros into the LAFC box on a quick, one-two pass. Armenteros caught up to the ball with a tight angle on goal, snapping off a shot that had Miller beat, but pinged off the far post and away rather than finding the back of the net.</p>
<p id="7nfzax">Back in possession, the Black and Gold responded with a flurry of shots from long range that were easily dealt with by Attinella. Finding entry balls into the Timbers box difficult against a packed in Portland formation, the home side resorted to taking any opening they could find.</p>
<p id="DXAl4n">As the second half wore on, attacking chances were hard to come by for both sides, with the Timbers rarely able to break out of their end and LAFC rarely able to serve the ball into the Timbers’ box.</p>
<p id="NgK0Ze">The Timbers finally were able to get out on the run in the 70th minute, and it was Valentin who sent Armenteros racing forward. The Swedish international’s took him at an angle away from goal, but instead of taking the ball to the corner, Armenteros played a back-heel pass into the path of Blanco, trailing just behind him. Riding a challenge from a Black and Gold defender, Blanco took the ball into the box and hit a shot that forced Miller to bat the ball away from goal. The rebound fell to Armenteros, but the striker had strayed into an offside position.</p>
<p id="XymEjb">In the 85th minute, things took a turn for the home side as the Timbers began to break down the pitch with the ball at the feet of Sebastian Blanco. As Blanco charged forward and looked to go around <span>Lee Nguyen</span>, the LAFC defender stuck out a boot and put his studs into Blanco’s thigh, prompting referee Silvio Petrescu to reach to his back pocket for a red card, giving the Timbers a man advantage for the remainder of the match.</p>
<p id="wXHGOz">Despite being a men down, LAFC had one last chance in the 94th minute. With the ball at his feet, Beitashour juked his way around his defender to create space for himself out on the flank and served in a cross that dipped down at the near post and found the head of <span>Carlos Vela</span> for a snap header. Vela’s chance was on goal, but once again Attinella was on hand to make the grab and preserve the clean sheet.</p>
<p id="QrxPk8">The Timbers will stay in LA for their next match, when they will take on LAFC again in the US Open Cup quarterfinals on Wednesday evening before returning to Portland to host the <a href="https://www.mountroyalsoccer.com/">Montreal Impact</a> in their return to league play on Saturday.</p>
https://www.stumptownfooty.com/2018/7/15/17574300/all-even-as-portland-timbers-draw-los-angeles-fc-0-0William Conwell2018-07-15T12:00:02-07:002018-07-15T12:00:02-07:00Portland Timbers at Los Angeles FC: How to watch, previews, match chat [3:00]
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<img alt="MLS: Los Angeles FC at Portland Timbers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/-yGaBN8YBQhDd6Qi4D4kSrpVta0=/4x0:3129x2083/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/60375137/usa_today_10844167.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p id="YGMCw2">The <a href="https://www.stumptownfooty.com/">Portland Timbers</a> have headed south to the somehow cooler weather of California to take on one of the top teams in the Western Conference, Los Angeles FC.</p>
<p id="0M7dep">Since the Timbers’ 2-1 win in the first match up between the two sides back in May, LAFC have lost only once, and the Timbers have not lost at all. Both sides have left their mark on the Western Conference already this season, but an away point — or three — for the Timbers could set the side up well to push up the table and actually challenge for one of the coveted top spots in the West.</p>
<p id="dhoG38">To that end, the Timbers will be matching up their defensive prowess — they have been among the best in the league during their current eleven match unbeaten run — against the hottest striker in MLS, Adama Diomande. As a team, LAFC have been outscored by only <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/mls/teams/atlanta-united">Atlanta United</a>, but if Diomande can continue his absurd scoring pace of nine goals in seven games, then LAFC has every chance of catching up to the league leaders.</p>
<p id="6m2fGE">The match up also comes with some added intrigue as Gio Savarese and <span>Bob Bradley</span> will be looking to game plan for both today’s match and Wednesday’s US Open Cup quarter final, when their teams will square off again for the second time in four days. Both sides have players recently returned from the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/fifa-world-cup">World Cup</a>, and both feature significant depth with which to make tweaks and changes to their approach to each match. How Savarese and Bradley rotate and adjust their lineups today and Wednesday will be just as important as any match up that plays out on the pitch.</p>
<h4 id="qzVc3x">Previews</h4>
<p id="FfoOm3"><a href="https://www.stumptownfooty.com/2018/7/13/17568754/storylines-lafc-vs-portland-timbers-carlos-vella-liam-ridgewell-fanendo-adi-diego-rossi"><strong>Storylines</strong></a><strong>:</strong> “The team as a whole likes to stay compact and force play out to the wings, effectively stretching opponents. They are a very proactive team who loves having possession, though be careful on the counter — this team can fly.”</p>
<p id="j6yl8l"><em>Stop by the </em><a href="https://www.stumptownfooty.com/2018/7/15/17572694/portland-timbers-predictions-rose-city-forecast-17-lafc-vs-portland-timbers"><em>Rose City Forecast</em></a><em> before the opening whistle to make your predictions about today’s match.</em></p>
<h4 id="8D6SZ1">Match Information</h4>
<p id="IE0ge9"><strong>Watch it on:</strong> ESPN</p>
<p id="fpfu9X"><strong>Where:</strong> Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles, CA</p>
<p id="PhC0VL"><strong>When:</strong> Sunday, July 15th at 3:00 p.m. PT</p>
<p id="aJnn6N"><strong>Portland Timbers:</strong> 8-3-5, 5th place in the Western Conference, Beat <a href="https://www.centerlinesoccer.com/">San Jose Earthquakes</a> 2-1</p>
<p id="dbjScy"><strong>Los Angeles FC:</strong> 10-4-4, 2nd place in the Western Conference, Beat <a href="https://www.themaneland.com/">Orlando City</a> SC 4-1</p>
https://www.stumptownfooty.com/2018/7/15/17573682/portland-timbers-at-los-angeles-fc-how-to-watch-previews-match-chat-3-00William Conwell2018-07-15T10:38:00-07:002018-07-15T10:38:00-07:00Rose City Forecast 17: LAFC vs Portland Timbers
<figure>
<img alt="MLS: San Jose Earthquakes at Portland Timbers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/7IBkuC7mheIQ1QPjLGHc-UVyRF0=/0x2:2372x1583/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/60374889/usa_today_10927563.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Portland Timbers Prediction Thread</p> <p id="DukQYJ">Welcome once again to the <a href="https://www.stumptownfooty.com/">Portland Timbers</a> prediction thread!</p>
<p id="GLYEk4">Last week saw PTFC face the <a href="https://www.centerlinesoccer.com/">San Jose Earthquakes</a> at Providence Park, walk away with their eighth win on the season to extend their unbeaten run to 11 league games and 13 across all competitions. Samuel Armenteros had a brace and <span>Diego Valeri</span> had an assist brace (brassist?) to give the Timbers a 2-0 lead, but San Jose got on the board late in the second half through <span>Florian Jungwirth</span> to make for a nervy ending, but the Timbers held serve to win 2-1. San Jose received a yellow card in the first minute of the match, then went the remainder without getting a second.</p>
<p id="pxzHX3">Timbers Pride and shrekpdx both had excellent weeks on the prediction side, earning 12 points each, while landoid takes the points for the wild prediction. They thought the stadium crew would have to take an extra day when cleaning the stadium to rid the place of ‘ultra-funk’.</p>
<p id="8Pdoye">A perfect prediction for 19 points:</p>
<p id="vrcuRj">2-1, Timbers</p>
<p id="rIxoe4">Armenteros (Valeri); Armenteros (Valeri OR <span>Sebastian Blanco</span>)</p>
<p id="K9bhSD">Jungwirth (Quincy Amerikwa)</p>
<p id="P2A0EU">First yellow to <span>Harold Cummings</span>.</p>
<p id="gzydjM">Under on cards</p>
<p id="NTTHRL">The standings include the points from the previous three games - San Jose, Seattle, and Atlanta.</p>
<div id="CZOZt6"><div data-anthem-component="table:1259990"></div></div>
<p id="zcCTX8">The Timbers have another road game this week, traveling south to Los Angeles. LAFC is one of only a handful of teams to have more points and more points per game than the Timbers, and they are unbeaten on their home pitch. The Timbers, of course, are unbeaten since April, including a home win over LAFC. However, the team PTFC will face on Sunday will look much different, as LAFC has scoring wonder Adama Diomande on the pitch, who wasn’t present last time the two teams played. Will the Timbers be able to keep an excellent LAFC side at bay and pick up points?</p>
<p id="cRXLO7"><strong>Total Cards O/U:</strong> 3.5</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="2egNC3"></p>
https://www.stumptownfooty.com/2018/7/15/17572694/portland-timbers-predictions-rose-city-forecast-17-lafc-vs-portland-timbersCR McNeil2018-07-13T16:00:01-07:002018-07-13T16:00:01-07:00Storylines: LAFC vs Portland Timbers
<figure>
<img alt="DC United v Los Angeles FC" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/27LF5qrMLztLBWfMRj7dV6IB55U=/0x0:4796x3197/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/60366105/962857024.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Can the run continue?</p> <h3 id="SItMyn">The Story So Far</h3>
<p id="cAQPY3">While it was a bit nervy at the end, the Timbers extended their unbeaten run to 13 matches across all competitions by beating the <a href="https://www.centerlinesoccer.com/">San Jose Earthquakes</a> 2-1. Now they must face a red-hot LAFC, who are unbeaten in their last five — including a 4-1 drubbing of one of the most hapless teams in MLS, <a href="https://www.themaneland.com/">Orlando City</a>.</p>
<p id="uJ9M71">The Timbers will travel to the City of Angels to make their first appearance at Banc of California stadium. The last time the Timbers and LAFC met was back on May 19th, when the Timbers would get the win 2-1. Now the Timbers have a chance to beat them twice: once on Sunday and then again on Wednesday in a <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/us-open-golf">U.S. Open</a> Cup match.</p>
<p id="tsKRCu">Can the Timbers extend their streak, or will LAFC have something to say about it?</p>
<p id="szklas"></p>
<h3 id="v9KCQY">Double Nines</h3>
<p id="Pnupqd">Let’s be honest, Samuel Armenteros has been a revelation; so much so, that it’s forced Savarese to bench <span>Fanendo Adi</span>. Think about that for a second: The Timbers have a DP taking up bench space. I don’t know about you, but it’s a colossal waste of money having your designated player riding the pine, and I’m sure Adi isn’t all that happy either.</p>
<p id="xhpBqh">What do you do with a DP who’s, for the most part, fallen out of favor with the manager and is now seen as an option off the bench? I respect and admire the things he’s done for this club, but it might be time to move on.</p>
<p id="3KYCV7">With the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/transfer-rumors">transfer window</a> now open, maybe it’s time to shop Adi and see what kind of value we can get from the sale of the big man. I’m sure Adi wants more minutes and after being a sure-fire starter, sitting on the bench must be frustrating. Though I’m sure Adi will get minutes as the Timbers play three matches this week and rotation will be key. I’d also expect that Adi will start on Wednesday in the U.S. Open Cup.</p>
<p id="SBGgqy"> </p>
<h3 id="8pMpwo">Chalkboard</h3>
<p id="LKgEsd">While players were at the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/fifa-world-cup">World Cup</a>, LAFC went with a 4-3-3, but now that they have everyone back, look for <span>Bob Bradley</span> to run out a 4-2-3-1 — his favorite formation. Look for <span>Marco Ureña</span> to spearhead the attack as the lone striker. Right beneath him will be <span>Carlos Vela</span> playing the number 10 role, and he’ll be flanked by <span>Latif Blessing</span> and, most likely, <span>Diego Rossi</span>. </p>
<p id="sHQPmL">Bradley does have a choice to make: Either play Ureña up top or go with the really hot hand, Adama Diomande. He currently leads the team in goals with nine, and picked up a brace against Orlando City as the starting striker. Either player is dangerous, so the Timbers back line could be in for a long day in any event.</p>
<p id="IojiSX">Look for the fullbacks Steven Beitashour and <span>Jordan Harvey</span> to join the attack every chance they get. Beitashour likes to really get forward and can be caught out at times, and the space he leaves behind him is quite exploitable. </p>
<p id="FfoOm3">The team as a whole likes to stay compact and force play out to the wings, effectively stretching opponents. They are a very proactive team who loves having possession, though be careful on the counter — this team can fly. </p>
<p id="DO9p0e">Look for <span>Benny Feilhaber</span> and <span>Mark-Anthony Kaye</span> run as the double pivot, with Feilhaber the more likely of the two to get forward in the attack.</p>
<p id="8y0GJQ">During this run of 13 matches without a loss, Giovanni Savarese has used five different formations, though his most used is that 4-3-2-1, which has gotten great results. One thing I like about how Gio has his team set up is the plug-and-play nature of it. He’s used not only different formations, but different lineups as well.</p>
<p id="axtmZn">Like I’ve said the last couple of times, it’s really hard now to predict what formation and lineup he’ll run out. I figure we’ll get the first-choice starting XI on Sunday, and look for Wednesday to be heavy with rotation. With three matches in a week, it’ll be interesting to see how exactly he matches things up.</p>
<p id="AFu3zE"></p>
<h3 id="0ywqqu">A Green and Gold Summer</h3>
<p id="7Ltndb">The last time <span>Liam Ridgewell</span> saw the pitch was May 19th in about the fourth minute. He went down with an injury, and then Julio Cascante took over and has been the de facto starter ever since. Earlier, I talked about how having a designated player riding the pine was not really a wise use of money, right? Well, how about one that hasn’t seen the pitch in three months? </p>
<p id="DUgpTN">Back in April, I wrote about <a href="https://www.stumptownfooty.com/2018/4/5/17203226/liam-ridgewell-giovanni-savarese-portland-timbers">the End of the Ridgewell era</a>, and I honestly think that four months later, it’s here. He’s been passed over by younger and better players, and I don’t see him breaking into the lineup anytime soon. So, could we see more movement this summer during the transfer window? I wouldn’t rule it out, that’s for sure.</p>
<p id="zkA1pD">We’ve just about hit the halfway mark of the season, and currently the Timbers sit fifth in the West, but only because every team in the conference has played more games than our boys in the green and gold. If you look purely at PPG, the Timbers right now are averaging almost two points per game (1.81), which is good for third place in the West behind <a href="https://www.bigdsoccer.com/">FC Dallas</a> and <a href="https://www.angelsonparade.com/">Los Angeles Football Club</a>. </p>
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<p id="Xn2vJF"> </p>
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https://www.stumptownfooty.com/2018/7/13/17568754/storylines-lafc-vs-portland-timbers-carlos-vella-liam-ridgewell-fanendo-adi-diego-rossiTimm Higgins