Stumptown Footy - Portland Timbers vs Montreal Impact: Coverage HubYou are my sunshine, my only sunshine.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/31537/stumptown-fave.jpg2018-07-23T06:00:06-07:00http://www.stumptownfooty.com/rss/stream/173625732018-07-23T06:00:06-07:002018-07-23T06:00:06-07:00Six Degrees: A Very Lucky Point
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<img alt="MLS: Montreal Impact at Portland Timbers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/jj-xF1DtzRw2lbUk3hTH_tun-1I=/1x0:3492x2327/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/60453623/usa_today_10979151.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Portland 2, Montreal 2</p> <p id="UfThrG">This streak is amazing!</p>
<p id="TGsmeb">(Wait, I just realized I’m not sure which streak I mean. The 13 straight unbeaten in MLS? Or the 19 straight winless without <span>Diego Chara</span>? Probably both. Let’s call it both.)</p>
<p id="lOyUIs">These streaks are amazing!</p>
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<p id="CmbVf8"><strong>1) </strong>As I wrote a few weeks back, if you’ve got to play three games in a week, the best way to do it is Saturday-Wednesday-Sunday. That way, you’re getting three days rest between each game.</p>
<p id="kbjNme">The worst way to do it? Sunday-Wednesday-Saturday. Which is exactly what the Timbers just finished doing. Sunday game, two days rest, Wednesday game, two days rest, Saturday game. Oh, and also hotel life. And airplanes. And time away from family and friends.</p>
<p id="4ebiCW">So if you’re searching for a reason why the Timbers looked so flat in the first half Saturday night, maybe that’s your answer. Maybe they were just worn out.</p>
<p id="4N3Sam">Or maybe I’m overthinking it. Maybe we just looked bad because Diego Chara wasn’t on the field. Maybe without him, fires weren’t put out, attackers weren’t blown up, our transitions were slower, Montreal’s defense could get set, and the entire team kinda ground to a halt.</p>
<p id="831fY9">Or maybe they were just tired. I can’t decide. </p>
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<p id="Lvp858"><strong>2) </strong>Whatever the reason, to my eyes, Montreal was clearly the better team coming out of the gate. Better in possession, better in defense, more energy, less sloppy. Name a soccer thing, and the Impact were doing it better. </p>
<p id="2oTknx">So when they pulled off this lovely little goal in the 23<sup>rd</sup> minute, I wasn’t terribly surprised.</p>
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<p id="9rDhD7">Lots of beautiful work by Montreal, lots of ugly work by the Timbers.</p>
<p id="kMsEMo">Do we get angry at <strong>Julio Cascante</strong> for being so far forward? I’m not sure we do. That area of the field belongs to <span><strong>Zarek Valentin</strong></span>, and since you can see he’s still coming back after an attack, someone had to go challenge that ball. But just as Montreal was better in the game, Alejandro Silva was better on this play. He showed both skill and tenacity coming out of there with the ball, and Cascante’s left picking himself up off the ground, wondering what the hell just happened.</p>
<p id="r1tWTn">But Silva wasn’t done clowning Portland defenders. Next up was <span><strong>Lawrence Olum</strong></span>, who got faked out of his jock strap. (Do people still wear jock straps? Is that still a thing? Or has the world moved on to newer and better athletic underpants technology? Young people, help us out. Jock straps: still a thing?)</p>
<p id="fuG683">Anyway, Silva made a very nice soccer play that separated Olum from his athletic undergarments.</p>
<p id="GbQ9SC">From there, it’s just a drive into the box, a nice cross to a late runner, and a professional finish from Saphir Taider. Really nice work from Silva and a very deserved goal for Montreal.</p>
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<p id="xo9b4R"><strong>3) </strong>Portland answered in the 39<sup>th</sup> minute, but it wasn’t nearly so beautiful, or nearly so deserved. It was both ugly and lucky.</p>
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<p id="7kinBZ">It’s a decent, though not perfect entry pass from <strong>Alvas Powell</strong>, which Montreal goalkeeper Evan Bush gets a weak fist to. He punches it right into the path of <strong>Cristhian Paredes</strong>, causing the entire crowd to rise in anticipation of Paredes’s scorching blast into the net.</p>
<p id="Bq48iG">Alas, it was neither scorching, nor blasted, nor into the net. Instead, it was one of the ugliest shots you’ll ever see, a wildly spinning lob straight into Bush’s hands.</p>
<p id="QH3JBS">Or maybe not. Is it possible Paredes’s shot was actually <em>perfect</em>? Turns out he hit the thing so damn badly, and it was spinning so damn hard, that Bush couldn’t handle it, it spun right out of his hands, and <strong>Samuel Armenteros</strong> was standing there, ready to put a nice calm shot into goal.</p>
<p id="4Vav1p">It was an ugly, lucky goal, but sometimes that’s just what a team needs. The score was 1-1 and the Timbers were back in the match.</p>
<p id="2Lo9EQ">And that lasted for about two minutes.</p>
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<p id="rAv811">As you can see, the play was clearly onside. A beautiful run by Matteo Mancosu, a beautiful pass by Ignacio Piatti, and a beautiful finish at the end. Not much we fans can do but shake our heads in sad, frustrated admiration. (Or, alternatively, boo the referee mercilessly, thinking the play was offside, and making it look like we don’t understand the rules of soccer. Whichever.)</p>
<p id="TbIabj">That was a tough way to end the first half, but at least the players could gather themselves in the locker room and the coaching staff could come up with a new plan for the second half.</p>
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<p id="3FzB5J"><strong>4) </strong>Which they did. </p>
<p id="2sq7Jm">In his post-game remarks, Coach Giovanni Savarese mentioned flipping midfielders Paredes and <strong>Andres Flores</strong> to opposite sides, but to my inexpert eyes, the biggest change was an overall increase in energy, an increase in <em>urgency</em>. The most obvious evidence of this was the forwards and midfielders defending higher up the field, applying serious pressure to the Montreal defenders, making them rush their passes, and causing a few turnovers. It was the first time I can remember that kind of high pressure since the first couple games of the year. Is Gio ready to start using that high pressure defense again? Will we see more of it moving forward?</p>
<p id="k08GhZ">Only time will tell, but I did like the overall increase in energy, and in the 65<sup>th</sup> minute, it paid dividends. Or maybe it was just Evan Bush giving us another gift.</p>
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<p id="8noRxG">As you can see, after <span><strong>Diego Valeri</strong></span> nods the ball home, the Montreal players immediately start losing their minds, claiming Valeri interfered with Bush. The complaints lasted for far, far too long, and included Montreal’s head coach getting sent to the locker room. (Quick question: if a coach gets red-carded, does he miss the next game as well? This is a legitimate question.) The entire imbroglio reminded me of the Colombian team surrounding Mark Geiger at the World Cup. Geiger should have booked a few players that day, and I think Fotis Bazakos should have booked a few Montreal players on Saturday night.</p>
<p id="cK0Pbe">Now, you can call me a homer (and I am, of course. I’m a <em>total</em> homer.) but I think it was a good no-call. Watch Valeri. He doesn’t move into Bush. He finds his spot in front of goal, the ball’s coming down, then Bush moves into <em>him</em>. Valeri actually ends up jumping (or being knocked) <em>away</em> from Bush. To my homeriffic eyes, it’s not interference, it’s a good no-call and a 2<sup>nd</sup> lucky goal for the Timbers. </p>
<p id="xAYh5Q">That made it 2-2 with 25 minutes left in the game. The Timbers went like hell to the final whistle, but despite admirable spirit and many chances, were unable to find a winning goal. The MLS unbeaten streak reached 13, the winless-without-Chara streak reached 19. </p>
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<p id="boo4O1"><strong>5) </strong>A few random thoughts:</p>
<ul>
<li id="bvcPRb">Cascante got his head on a lot of crosses/corners/free kicks, finishing the game with a team-high three shots on target. Between him and <strong>Larrys “Big Head” Mabiala</strong>, I’m feeling good about our set piece production moving forward.</li>
<li id="kS4YWi">The Impact had two shots on goal. Both of them were goals. This is depressing.</li>
<li id="3StQIs">Both our goals were lucky, and we almost got lucky twice more, as Montreal <em>tried</em> to put two headers into their own goal for us, but failed. So clearly their finishing wasn’t perfect..</li>
<li id="7TdyXi">Did you see that cool free kick we had in the first half? <span><strong>Sebastian Blanco</strong></span> fakes the shot and runs forward, Valeri hits it short to Armenteros, then Sammy tries chipping it to Blanco in front of goal. We didn’t pull it off, but I love the creativity. Gimme more stuff like that, Gio!</li>
<li id="siHKaC">Post-game, the Oregonian’s Jamie Goldberg asked Gio about <strong>Fanendo Adi</strong>. <a href="https://www.oregonlive.com/timbers/index.ssf/2018/07/giovanni_savarese_reason_for_f.html">His answer was quite unexpected</a>. Keep an eye on this situation moving forward. I have no predictions on how it will turn out. </li>
<li id="8iQVT3">Speaking of forwards, what does <span><strong>Jeremy Ebobisse</strong></span> have to do to get some playing time? No minutes against LAFC midweek, no minutes against Montreal. Is he that unimpressive in practice?</li>
</ul>
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<p id="Aistuz"><strong>6) </strong>As you know, this was the team’s 13<sup>th</sup> straight MLS result. Take a look at our form guide.</p>
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<p id="gR8BHU">A lot more draws than wins these days, eh? In fact, over our last seven games, we’re just 2-0-5.</p>
<p id="OCOoLA">However, before we panic too much, I’ll point out that three of those draws were against top teams (Atlanta, SKC, LAFC) and the other two were against teams that started the season slow, but have played their way back above the red line (LAG, MTL). So the sky’s definitely not falling.</p>
<p id="duanhr">But still... it’s time to start winning again. And we’re heading into a stretch where we could do just that.</p>
<p id="cnHD9E">Our next three games are at home, and unlike this past game, we’ll have a full week of rest between them all. Next Saturday we host Houston, a team that is definitely hovering around the playoff line, but who has won only one game on the road this year.</p>
<p id="FqAenv">After that, we host Philadelphia. Again, a team on the edge of the playoffs, but traveling across the continent to face us.</p>
<p id="BzMyc7">And then we’re home to Vancouver, a steaming pile of dog excrement who just lost 2-0 to Seattle. <em>Seattle!</em> </p>
<p id="45lxIO">These are three imminently winnable games. We’ll be at home, we’ll have rest, and, presumably, we’ll have Diego Chara.</p>
<p id="ZnKuYm">You know what I’m thinking? Nine points or bust. Who’s with me?</p>
https://www.stumptownfooty.com/2018/7/23/17601450/six-degrees-a-very-lucky-pointC.I. DeMann2018-07-21T22:05:25-07:002018-07-21T22:05:25-07:00Portland Timbers come from behind twice to draw Montreal Impact 2-2
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/UEFR6WWKH0-PQWAgpp4t8Ha1ugk=/0x0:970x647/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/60447429/Image_from_iOS__1_.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Kris Lattimore</figcaption>
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<p id="9rYTWG">The <a href="https://www.stumptownfooty.com/">Portland Timbers</a> remain unbeaten in their last thirteen league matches after coming from behind twice to draw the <a href="https://www.mountroyalsoccer.com/">Montreal Impact</a> 2-2. Despite being carved up by the Impact’s quick breaks down the pitch in the first half, the Timbers were able to capitalize on a pair of gaffs from Montreal keeper <span>Evan Bush</span> to secure the point.</p>
<p id="WtROPl">In a match between two sides known for their prowess on the counter, it was the Impact who had the first chance to put their opponents on the back foot. In the 7th minute, the visitors turned the Timbers over and got the ball swiftly down the pitch, finding <span>Ignacio Piatti</span> out wide on the left flank. Picking his head up, Piatti hit a long cross field switch that picked out the run of Matteo Mancosu. The Italian forward dropped the ball back to the top of the Timbers’ box for a late arriving run from midfielder <span>Shamit Shome</span> who shot from distance but put his chance well over the bar.</p>
<p id="4txfqP">The early Impact chance was a rarity and neither side would see much in the way of scoring opportunities until the 23rd minute when the Impact opened the scoring. With the Timbers committed up the pitch, Montreal forward Alejandro Silva carried the ball forward, fighting his way past Julio Cascante and <span>Lawrence Olum</span> before cutting a square ball toward the middle of the pitch. Silva’s pass found the run of <span>Saphir Taider</span> who, surrounded by retreating defenders, had just enough time to pick out the corner of the net with his shot and give the Impact a 1-0 lead.</p>
<p id="I8T4rJ">Shaken awake by the Montreal goal, the Timbers were nearly able to answer three minutes later in the 26th minute when the side found Samuel Armenteros out wide on the flank. Armenteros carried the ball forward before sending a curling ball toward the back post. Sandwiched by defenders, it was <span>Diego Valeri</span> who rose up to meet the ball. The Maestro was able to put a strong head on the ball, but could not steer it on goal.</p>
<p id="7X1BHL">The Timbers found their opening goal in the 38th minute. After an Alvas Powell cross was headed away by a Montreal defender, Cristhian Paredes attempted to hit a side-volley shot back toward goal, only for the ball to go spinning off his boot and up into the air. Impact keeper Evan Bush came for the ball and looked likely to collect it, only to spill it directly in front of Armenteros as it spun out of his hands. With the ball bouncing in front of him, Armenteros tried a side-volley of his own, making contact and placing the ball into the back for the net to even up the score at 1-1.</p>
<p id="8AEyou">The even scoreline would not last long, however, as the Impact pulled back into the lead immediately after the restart. A long ball from Piatti over the top of the Timbers back line dropped perfectly for the of Mancosu, who split Cascante and <span>Zarek Valentin</span> to go in on goal. Dribbling in on goal as the Timbers’ back line spun around behind him, Mancosu had time and space to pick out the corner of the net and give the Impact a 2-1 lead.</p>
<p id="gU2Y65">Coming out of the break, the Timbers seemed to take control of the match, keeping the Impact pinned back for long stretches. As the Timbers probed the Montreal back line for long stretches with attempts to break them down, the best chances still came on the break.</p>
<p id="7Kmv00">Finally, in the 65th minute the Timbers were able to find their second goal to once again pull even with the visitors. A strong cross into the Montreal box from Blanco forced a parry up into the air from Bush. As the ball dropped inside the six yard box, both Bush and Valeri went up for it, but the Montreal keeper could not get up and over the Maestro and Valeri was able to nod the forward into the goal. </p>
<p id="kHc3Q7">As the goal was ruled good by referee Fotis Bazakos, Montreal head coach Remi Garde protested too vigorously and was given his marching orders before play resumed. </p>
<p id="L8CpsL">Now even and with the momentum firmly behind them, the Timbers pressed forward in search of their first lead of the evening and in the 73rd minute they came close. Breaking down the flank, Armenteros spun away from an Impact defender, sending a square ball to Lawrence Olum at the top of the box. As a pair of Montreal defenders closed him down, Olum touched the ball onward to Blanco, cutting in from the right. Blanco took a touch and fired off a hard shot only for his attempt to swerve wide of the near post.</p>
<p id="rryUAY">In the 78th minute Powell came even closer. Taking the ball down out wide on the flank, Powell measured his shot and hit the ball on the volley, sending a curling shot in on goal and forcing Bush into a full-stretch dive to push the ball wide.</p>
<p id="DSu5DP">The Timbers would continue to push for the winner, despite the danger of the Montreal counter attack. Another goal was not on offer, however, and the final whistle blew with the sides knotted at 2-2.</p>
<p id="XITaUo">The Timbers’ next match is at home next Saturday, July 28th, when they will take on the <a href="https://www.dynamotheory.com/">Houston Dynamo</a>.</p>
https://www.stumptownfooty.com/2018/7/21/17599370/portland-timbers-come-from-behind-twice-to-draw-montreal-impact-2-2William Conwell2018-07-21T18:15:01-07:002018-07-21T18:15:01-07:00Portland Timbers vs. Montreal Impact: How to Watch, Preview, Match Chat [8:00]
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<img alt="MLS: Portland Timbers at Montreal Impact" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/cSqtfTYrqaf8W2Tt36xn-VhSu5s=/0x20:2528x1705/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/60446569/usa_today_10069232.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p id="B8XMOJ">Fresh off an emotional mid-week loss to Los Angeles FC in the U.S. Open Cup, the <a href="https://www.stumptownfooty.com/">Portland Timbers</a> are back at it again, this time hosting the <a href="https://www.mountroyalsoccer.com/">Montreal Impact</a> in league play. </p>
<p id="xHztuc">The Timbers may have had their overall unbeaten run snapped, but the side have still gone without a loss in their last twelve league games. Montreal’s form is also nothing to sneeze at: after winning just three times in their first thirteen matches, the Canadian side are 5-2-0 since and have clawed their way up above the playoff line in the Eastern Conference.</p>
<p id="8kmtFd">Like the Timbers, Montreal also played mid-week, taking down the <a href="https://www.eightysixforever.com/">Vancouver Whitecaps</a> 1-0 in Canadian Championship play on Wednesday. With both sides packing in the fixtures and neither with a moment to breathe, how both squads approach this match could play a large role in today’s result.</p>
<h4 id="b9ZCh0">Preview</h4>
<p id="8rWdwh"><a href="https://www.stumptownfooty.com/2018/7/20/17595550/storylines-portland-timbers-vs-montreal-impact-diego-chara-ignacio-piatti"><strong>Storylines</strong></a><strong>:</strong> “If <span><strong>Ignacio Piatti</strong></span> was on any other team we’d be talking about him a lot more. But that’s just my opinion. Look for Piatti to play out on the left wing so he can cut in on his right foot. Against San Jose he was allowed to roam a bit and had a tendency to drift to the middle. The Timbers are going to have to be vigilant when it comes to the 33-year-old Argentinian winger.”</p>
<p id="5vw4Vj">And drop by the <a href="https://www.stumptownfooty.com/2018/7/20/17594494/stumptown-footy-predictions-rose-city-forecast-18-portland-timbers-vs-montreal-impact">Rose City Forecast</a> to make your predictions about today’s match.</p>
<h4 id="ZSFoaI">Match Information</h4>
<p id="r31uDB"><strong>Watch it on: </strong>FOX 12 Plus</p>
<p id="295zgG"><strong>Where:</strong> Providence Park in Portland, OR</p>
<p id="34uCQ1"><strong>When:</strong> Saturday, July 21st at 8:00 p.m. PT</p>
<p id="Q0Yjkz"><strong>Portland Timbers:</strong> 8-3-6, 5th place in the Western Conference, drew at Los Angeles FC 1-1</p>
<p id="s1lCrz"><strong>Montreal Impact:</strong> 9-12-0, 6th place in the Eastern Conference, beat <a href="https://www.centerlinesoccer.com/">San Jose Earthquakes</a> 2-0</p>
https://www.stumptownfooty.com/2018/7/21/17599212/portland-timbers-vs-montreal-impact-how-to-watch-preview-match-chat-8-00William Conwell2018-07-20T17:49:23-07:002018-07-20T17:49:23-07:00Rose City Forecast 18: Portland Timbers vs Montreal Impact
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<img alt="MLS: Portland Timbers at Montreal Impact" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/6s2cYN4WE-HHJeebb0_56Ir_D3c=/0x0:2528x1685/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/60440421/usa_today_10069232.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p id="XYo74c">It’s time for another Forecast! For better or worse, since this series is all about league play, we’re going to avoid the problems stemming from Wednesday’s <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/us-open-tennis">US Open</a> Cup match, and look back to the first LAFC match this week.</p>
<p id="3jbr6Z">If you remember that game, great! If not, well, that’s okay, since it got outshone by the second match of the week. Nevertheless, the <a href="https://www.stumptownfooty.com/">Portland Timbers</a> came away with a very solid road point in a 0-0 draw. PTFC had some chances they should have finished in the first half, and <span>Jeff Attinella</span> came up big a couple of times to hold the shutout, but that’s about it. Oh! There was actually a red card, and it wasn’t to a Timber, though <span>Diego Chara</span> did get his third yellow since his last suspension, so that’s not great.</p>
<p id="OpLxGX">It was a low scoring week, but kudos to GeorgeCorps17 and 4-5-2 for sharing the prediction of the week. You both earned points from predicting a draw, <span>Benny Feilhaber</span> for the first yellow, and over on total cards! MindfulCyclist gets the fun points of the week for suggesting that social media would freak out after a loss, because Giovanni Savarese didn’t wear his scarf in the California heat. Well, the reason was wrong (I wish it had been as trivial as not wearing a scarf.) and the game was wrong, but you were certainly right about the social media freak out after a loss!</p>
<p id="PCRKZN">A perfect prediction, for 15 points:</p>
<p id="9zLqBn">0-0</p>
<p id="IJkZnp">First yellow to Feilhaber</p>
<p id="Otxuly">Red to <span>Lee Nguyen</span></p>
<p id="lA9IFX">Over on cards</p>
<div id="C5nzCk"><div data-anthem-component="table:1268442"></div></div>
<p id="94nfUp">This Saturday, the Timbers get another home match, as they host the <a href="https://www.mountroyalsoccer.com/">Montreal Impact</a>. Though the all-competitions unbeaten run is ended, it still holds in league play, and we know PTFC always expects three points at home. Unfortunately, the team is going to have to manage without its engine; Diego Chara is suspended for yellow card accumulation. Not to mention <span>Fanendo Adi</span>’s uncertain status after he didn’t make the game day 18 midweek despite being in Los Angeles. And then there’s the opponent. Montreal haven’t been particularly good in 2018, but they haven’t been particularly bad, either. Their road record is pretty terrible (two wins, nine losses), but they’ve won five of their last six (the Timbers have won two of six). On top of that, both times the Impact have visited Portland, they’ve taken points back to Canada. Will the Timbers finally figure out how to overcome the Chara-shaped void in midfield, or will Montreal take points from Portland again?</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>
https://www.stumptownfooty.com/2018/7/20/17594494/stumptown-footy-predictions-rose-city-forecast-18-portland-timbers-vs-montreal-impactCR McNeil2018-07-20T15:00:01-07:002018-07-20T15:00:01-07:00Storylines: Timbers vs Impact
<figure>
<img alt="MLS: Portland Timbers at Montreal Impact" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/w0y1-o1NPIqbKxqSVRmdKZTelUU=/0x0:3794x2529/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/60437737/usa_today_10066814.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Impact bring their 2-9-0 road record to Providence Park</p> <h3 id="M0bn86">The Story So Far</h3>
<p id="D6aPvh">One streak done, one still ongoing. </p>
<p id="2UOHmI">The Timbers fell 3-2 to LAFC on Wednesday night in US Open Cup play, bringing their 14-match unbeaten streak to an end. But have no fear my friend: in MLS play the Timbers are still riding a 12-match unbeaten run. It’s the longest in MLS this season and the Timbers look to add to that on Saturday when they welcome the <a href="https://www.mountroyalsoccer.com/">Montreal Impact</a>. </p>
<p id="rkRmFS">The Impact are on a current run of good form, going 7-2-0 in their last nine and collecting six clean sheets in the process. They’re coming off a 2-0 win at home over the <a href="https://www.centerlinesoccer.com/">San Jose Earthquakes</a>. While they are on a current run of form, they have just a 2-9-0 record away from Stade Saputo. </p>
<p id="9CJzmn">Interestingly the Impact have yet to draw a match in the 2018 MLS season, the only team to do so. The Timbers and the Impact have met 20 times, dating back to the USL days. The Timbers currently lead the Impact with a 9-7-4 record lifetime.</p>
<h3 id="dKqZPf">Chara-less</h3>
<p id="u2uK6r">That’s right, our midfield destroyer has to sit this one out after picking up a yellow card on the weekend against LAFC. What does that mean for the Timbers? A lot really. As has been hashed out many times, the Timbers do not perform well without the 32-year-old Colombian. </p>
<p id="AkQaCF">Matter of fact, they haven’t won a match without him in the lineup since he signed.</p>
<p id="x7F3XK">What does this mean for the Timbers? Well, the most likely scenario is that we’ll get another <span>Lawrence Olum</span> sighting. I shouldn’t rag on Olum to much, he’s put in a couple good performances. It’ll be interesting to see how Gio plans for this come Saturday.</p>
<h3 id="dBANxW">Chalkboard</h3>
<p id="JiIMLM">Remi Garde’s team currently sits in sixth, just above the playoff line, in the East, and are on an excellent run of form having lost just once in the last six matches. Garde tactically has used six different formations this year, but clearly favors a 4-3-3. They like to play a pretty high line which gives away space behind them and has come to trouble them from time to time. If they take the lead, look for them to sit back absorb pressure, daring you to break them down—and then hit you on the counter.</p>
<p id="3gf6Ep">If <span>Ignacio Piatti</span> was on any other team we’d be talking about him a lot more. But that’s just my opinion. Look for Piatti to play out on the left wing so he can cut in on his right foot. Against San Jose he was allowed to roam a bit and had a tendency to drift to the middle. The Timbers are going to have to be vigilant when it comes to the 33-year-old Argentinian winger. You cannot give this guy any space to work, or he will burn you. </p>
<p id="Q9bYrW">All in all, this team is well-organized and can be tough to break down. Their three attackers, Piatti, Matteo Mancosu, and Alejandro Silva, are solid, with Piatti being the obvious standout. Don’t count his strike partners out though. We could see some rotation because they, like the Timbers, played three matches in a week—not to mention they’re doing it again with a Canadian Championship match against Vancouver coming up on Wednesday.</p>
<p id="au0us7">The Timbers will be looking to rebound after Wednesday’s loss to LAFC. They have been shut out just twice in 15 matches, both of which were draws. The obvious thing is that as mentioned above, the Timbers will be without the services of <span>Diego Chara</span> due to yellow card accumulation. </p>
<p id="6zoNiZ">As we know, the Timbers without Chara isn’t a good thing. Just look at last season: he got injured, and the Timbers got bounced from the playoffs. We know he’ll be back next week, but in the meantime the Timbers are going to have to pull this off without him. I think Lawrence Olum has done well in his limited appearances this season, but he still makes me a tad bit nervous.</p>
<p id="GeAVFr">As far as the defense goes, we know what we’re going to get. <span>Liam Ridgewell</span> is healthy according to the injury list, but it’s still a crapshoot whether he makes the 18 or not. Christhian Paredes and Roy Miller are listed as questionable. I think that Gio has the back four that he wants and they’re really starting to gel. <span>Larrys Mabiala</span> needs to watch himself: one more yellow and he’ll be watching the next match from the stands. </p>
<p id="j4hAfu">Another question that has to be on everyone’s mind: <span>Fanendo Adi</span>. </p>
<p id="KnS4Zh">He was an unused substitute on Sunday and didn’t even make the 18 for the US Open Cup match, when I think that most of us thought he’d get the start. Right now speculation is that he might be on the move, and the signs are starting to point to the exit. Maybe this is a reason that Dairon Asprilla has been playing striker from time to time? I’m sure we’ll know more in the coming days.</p>
<h3 id="ei5FIn">Notes & Numbers</h3>
<p id="EQeZuK">The Timbers look to make it 12 straight in MLS play against a Montreal team that should not be underrated by any stretch. Speaking of stretches, the Timbers are at the start of a four-match homestand, the longest of the year, and the longest in the MLS season. With a month, home cooking could go a long way to cementing a stop at the top of the West.</p>
<p id="qdEU9R">Samuel Armenteros is currently averaging 0.73 goals per 90, among players that have played at least 700 minutes this year; only five players have a better scoring rate. We knew he was good, but now it’s really starting to show. Who knew that when the season started that Armenteros would be the de facto starting striker?</p>
<p id="ZYHwKM">With the nil-nil draw on Sunday, Timbers keeper <span>Jeff Attinella</span> has recorded his fifth clean sheet of the season in 11 starts. He’s really come on to earn and keep that number one spot. He’s one of the reasons we’re on the run we’re on.</p>
<p id="X0Sxta">Just for fun, here is the predicted lineup according to <a href="http://MLS.com">MLS.com</a>: </p>
<p id="KaKyyZ">GK: Jeff Attinella — Alvas Powell, Larrys Mabiala, Julio Cascante, <span>Zarek Valentin</span> — Andres Flores, Lawrence Olum, Andy Polo— <span>Diego Valeri</span>, <span>Sebastian Blanco</span> — Samuel Armenteros</p>
<p id="18yhnR">Make of that what you will. </p>
<p id="KFYeA1"></p>
https://www.stumptownfooty.com/2018/7/20/17595550/storylines-portland-timbers-vs-montreal-impact-diego-chara-ignacio-piattiTimm Higgins