Stumptown Footy - Portland Timbers vs Houston Dynamo: Coverage HubYou are my sunshine, my only sunshine.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/31537/stumptown-fave.jpg2018-07-29T20:00:02-07:00http://www.stumptownfooty.com/rss/stream/173903932018-07-29T20:00:02-07:002018-07-29T20:00:02-07:00Six Degrees: Adi! Bomaye!
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<figcaption>Timbers owner Merritt Paulson hugs forward Fanendo Adi after his final game as a Timber | Craig Mitchelldyer, Portland Timbers</figcaption>
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<p>Portland 2, Houston 1</p> <p id="A3DHwV">This was an incredibly emotional match and I was trying not to cry afterwards. We’ll talk about that later. First, the actual game.</p>
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<p id="y7PAk0"><strong>1) </strong>Let’s start pre-game. At some point Saturday, we got the news that <strong>Samuel Armenteros</strong> had hurt his back and was now being listed as “questionable.” Almost immediately, Timberdom began speculating. If Sammy couldn’t go, who would start at striker?</p>
<p id="kY715R"><span><strong>Dairon Asprilla</strong></span>? Well, one, he’s not really a striker, and two, in previous stints playing up top (I think it’s been twice this year? Both in the US Open Cup? Though I’m not entirely sure, hence all the question marks?), in his previous stints, he’s been decidedly unimpressive.</p>
<p id="ZKpPuJ">So who, then? <span><strong>Jeremy Ebobisse</strong></span>? <strong>Foster Langsdorf</strong>? Alas, alack, they were both in Los Angeles, playing for T2. (And playing well, thank you very much. Goal and assist for Jebo, two goals for Langsdorf, who needs a nickname. I’m leaning toward Wondo 2.0.)</p>
<p id="lL8VFr">Well, dagnabbit, who’s left? Had Gio Savarese accidentally screwed himself, sending all his backup strikers to LA, relying on the suddenly-injured Armenteros? Was Dairon the Winger our only option?</p>
<p id="1TVUmm">But wait. What’s that you say? <span><strong>Fanendo Adi</strong></span>? Could Adi see the field again? Hell, could Adi see the <em>bench</em> again? He hadn’t played, he hadn’t even made the 18 in so long. And just this past week, our speculations had been confirmed that Adi was asking for a trade, asking to be sent somewhere he could get more playing time.</p>
<p id="ARoFp3">Would the Timbers play Adi? And <em>could </em>the Timbers play Adi? Because if they were in negotiations with another team, the last thing they’d want is for Adi to get hurt. An injury might cause that potential trade to be ruined.</p>
<p id="RyV6e7">About six hours before the game, I made this prediction. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Bold prediction for tonight's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PORvHOU?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PORvHOU</a> match: Adi gets the emergency start, gets the club's first-ever hat trick, and never scores another goal for the green and gold. Probably won't happen, but what a story it would be and what a way to go out. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RCTID?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RCTID</a></p>— C.I. DeMann (@CIDeMann) <a href="https://twitter.com/CIDeMann/status/1023351765637324800?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 2018</a>
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<p id="GoGiov">Then, about an hour before the game, the Oregonian’s Jamie Goldberg broke the news.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Tonight will be Fanendo Adi's final game as a Portland Timber. The Timbers have completed a deal to move him. I do not yet have details on whether he is going to another MLS club or abroad <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://twitter.com/hashtag/PORvHOU?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PORvHOU</a> <a href="https://t.co/oga3cXar9U">https://t.co/oga3cXar9U</a></p>— Jamie Goldberg (@Jamiebgoldberg) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jamiebgoldberg/status/1023397971272949761?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 29, 2018</a>
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<p id="yd5tsw">So that meant there was no way Adi would play, right? If there was a deal in the works, a deal pretty much done, there’s no <em>way</em> the Timbers would risk Adi getting injured, right? Not only would the Timbers not allow it, surely the team getting Adi wouldn’t allow it, either. Right? Right?</p>
<p id="e7bOEv">Wrong. When the starting XI came out, there was Adi’s name, down on the bench.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Let's bring the heat. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RCTID?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RCTID</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PORvHOU?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PORvHOU</a> <a href="https://t.co/3wObLIbSxM">pic.twitter.com/3wObLIbSxM</a></p>— Portland Timbers (@TimbersFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/TimbersFC/status/1023385006356348928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 29, 2018</a>
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<p id="b2dKls">So what are we looking at here? A 3-5-2? Midfielders Dairon Asprilla and <span><strong>Diego Valeri</strong></span> playing as pseudo-strikers? Fanendo Adi on the bench, potentially not playing a minute, potentially just there as a decoy, potentially just there so the team could have 18 guys? </p>
<p id="CK3Rbn">No one had answers, only questions. There were already about a million narratives and the game hadn’t even started yet.</p>
<p id="inmElL">So let’s fix that. Let’s get to the actual game.</p>
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<p id="KiEd9U"><strong>2) </strong>The game started with Houston dominating. Just like us, they had three center backs, but unlike us, their attackers were pressing like hell. Seriously, they came out of the gates on <em>fire</em>, and were all over our defenders, getting right up in their shirts, looking for turnovers. </p>
<p id="Zzg3hs">It definitely put the Timbers on their heels, but the good thing about high pressing teams is that if you can get past their initial press, there’s a good chance for a counterattacking goal. Which is exactly what happened in the sixth minute.</p>
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<div id="pG3rN4"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.2493%;"><iframe src="https://gfycat.com/ifr/SimplisticBronzeGoldfish" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div></div>
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<p id="zUvLA3">Quick question: which player ain’t nothin’ to fuck with?</p>
<p id="Lk7554">Answer: <strong>Alvas Powell</strong> ain’t <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opbUESNnCe0">nothin’ to fuck with</a>. </p>
<p id="Kl8Lmi">I gotta tell you, Alvas Powell may have been my Man of the Match Saturday. He was absolutely sensational, start to finish. When that dude gets free rein to attack, he’s a force. He and DeMarcus Beasley were going at it all night long, and Alvas was the clear winner. Offensively, defensively, passing, shooting, the guy was just sensational.</p>
<p id="Tf4nyR">Do you think playing with three center backs is what allowed Powell to have a night like this? Did it allow him to be more aggressive? Because, if so, keep it coming. Gimme all of that you got.</p>
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<p id="KUkLNb"><strong>3) </strong>So that put us up 1-0 in the 6<sup>th</sup> minute. Which is nice.</p>
<p id="RepGvA">But remember what I said about Houston’s high press? That was still happening, and it was still making me very nervous. Moments like this didn’t help.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Okay <a href="https://twitter.com/Jeff_Attinella1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Jeff_Attinella1</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/tekkers?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#tekkers</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PORvHOU?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PORvHOU</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RCTID?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RCTID</a> <a href="https://t.co/94wYOG9rPs">pic.twitter.com/94wYOG9rPs</a></p>— Portland Timbers (@TimbersFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/TimbersFC/status/1023405816173326336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 29, 2018</a>
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<p id="mtFKIf">I mean, yeah, I guess that’s kind of cool move by <span><strong>Jeff Attinella</strong></span>, but it’s also kind of terrifying. Because it’s exactly what high pressing teams want you to do. They want goalkeepers and defenders handling the ball under pressure. That’s how turnovers happen and that’s how goals are scored.</p>
<p id="lVrI4R">Remember our 4-0 loss to the New York Red Bulls? That was all about defenders turning the ball over. Remember Diego Valeri’s goal <a href="https://gfycat.com/ThriftyBraveCuscus">27 seconds into MLS Cup</a>? That was all about a goalkeeper turning the ball over.</p>
<p id="MKT3ZN">So when I saw the Timbers trying to build slowly out of the back on Saturday, when I saw our defenders making short little passes against that high press, I was very, very, <em>very </em>nervous. And – I swear this story is true – in the 12<sup>th</sup> minute, I was turning to my friend Kevin and saying, “Damn, why is Cascante trying to...”</p>
<p id="ZduTvK">But I didn’t get to finish that sentence, because that’s when this happened.</p>
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<p id="tP41WR">That, ladies and gentlemen, is what can happen when defenders and goalkeepers try dribbling their way past a high press. It was a quick but painful death for <strong>Julio Cascante</strong>, and it made the score 1-1.</p>
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<p id="kmdgWk"><strong>4) </strong>The rest of the game? As you can see from the chart below, while Houston had a couple periods of dominance, for the most part, once Houston tied it up, the game was all about Portland attacking and Houston defending.</p>
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<p id="Hd5gK9">The Timbers outshot the Dynamo 19-5, they had more passes, more crosses, more corner kicks, more of almost everything.</p>
<p id="WdzAQa">I mentioned up above that Alvas Powell ain’t nothin’ to fuck with, but you know who else looked good? Dairon Asprilla. Yeah, that’s right, the winger who nobody wanted to see line up at forward actually had a really good game. He was running his ass off, making himself available for through balls and crosses, and even got a couple really nice shots on goal.</p>
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<p id="osvlpe">I like this first shot because it’s a chip. Asprilla has a tendency to fire balls directly at goalkeepers, which is rarely a good plan. This time, however, he tried to chip it over the keeper, and while it didn’t work out, I applaud the effort. It’s progress.</p>
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<p id="N3UsPH">And this one? Dear Lord. If he’d pulled this off, he might be up for MLS Goal of the Year. Absolutely gorgeous body control. Damn the keeper for denying the world such a beautiful goal.</p>
<p id="6DWMOD">So anyway, good game for you, Dairon. Perhaps you’ll be a decent backup forward, after all.</p>
<p id="o5zSRY">Also having a good game Saturday night? <strong>Diego Chara</strong>. Welcome back from your suspension, kind sir. You’re an absolute beast.</p>
<p id="zyGxDT">No quite as beastly, but still rather good: Our three center backs, <span><strong>Larrys Mabiala</strong></span><strong>, </strong><span><strong>Lawrence Olum</strong></span>, and Julio Cascante. Yes, Cascante screwed up on Houston’s goal, but I’m still pretty happy with what he and Mabiala are building. They’re a very solid CB pairing, and it makes me wonder if <span><strong>Liam Ridgewell</strong></span> can work his way back into the starting XI. (By the way, I’m wondering the same thing about <strong>Vytas</strong> and <strong>David Guzman</strong>. How many trades might we see in the next few weeks?)</p>
<p id="wQbiPV">A guy who’s not being traded is Lawrence Olum, since he seems to be 2018’s official Swiss Army knife. Whether he lines up as a center back or a defensive midfielder or some weird amalgam between the two, the guy’s become pretty reliable, he gives Gio a lot of options, and it’s clear the coach trusts him.</p>
<p id="LlP6Wy">Another guy Gio seems to trust, but who drives me absolutely crazy: <strong>Andy Polo</strong>. So many times on Saturday I was screaming at Polo to attack. The guy is just so friggin’ passive. Am I wrong about this? Is he more aggressive than I realize? Or maybe passive is exactly the way Gio wants him to play? Please give me your thoughts on Polo. I don’t know what to think.</p>
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<p id="XUCc7l"><strong>5) </strong>So, like I said, for the most part, this game was Portland attacking and Houston defending, but since none of our shots were finding the back of the net, the score stayed even, and I was up in the stands, getting more and more fearful, worried Houston was going to walk out of there with a 1-1 draw.</p>
<p id="dg1GZI">And then, in the 75<sup>th</sup> minute, who rises off the bench, pulls on a jersey, and walks to the 4<sup>th</sup> official? Fanendo Adi.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">In the 75th minute, <a href="https://twitter.com/fanendo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@fanendo</a> steps onto the pitch, replacing <a href="https://twitter.com/daironasprilla?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@daironasprilla</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PORvHOU?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PORvHOU</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RCTID?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RCTID</a> <a href="https://t.co/IZAsWx1uWC">pic.twitter.com/IZAsWx1uWC</a></p>— Portland Timbers (@TimbersFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/TimbersFC/status/1023429172901765120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 29, 2018</a>
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<p id="ywuMeP">Watch that clip with the sound on. If you weren’t in the stadium when it happened, trust me, it was a magical moment. When we saw Adi getting ready to come in, the entire Timbers Army started buzzing. The buzzing quickly turned to “Adi Bomaye” chants and I felt my heart grow two sizes. I’m writing this right now with goosebumps. Seriously.</p>
<p id="ndiDcJ">So, what do you think? If the Timbers had been ahead 2-1, do you think Adi would have come in? Do you think the team would have been willing to risk him getting injured, and potentially negating his upcoming transfer?</p>
<p id="EUhdXM">Personally, I think if we’d been ahead, he’d have stayed on the bench until stoppage time. I think he would have come on right before the death, everybody would have cheered him, it would be a wonderful moment, and that would be that.</p>
<p id="RVglbl">But that’s not what happened, of course. We weren’t up 2-1. The score was even, time was running out, and the Timbers needed him. Upcoming transfer be damned, the team <em>needed</em> Adi. They needed him to come on one last time and grab us a victory. Could he do it? Could he?</p>
<p id="PU4hYX">You bet he could.</p>
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<p id="DsUoL1">Are you kidding me? Is this real life or a movie?</p>
<p id="itPngu">Blanco to Polo to Valeri to Adi to the back of the net. That many one-touch passes in such tight quarters is either amazing skill, amazing luck, or a little of both. Regardless, we’ll take it. We will absolutely take it.</p>
<p id="5d1sSm">If you want to see the goal with sound, <a href="https://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2018-07-28-portland-timbers-vs-houston-dynamo/details/video/165122">here’s the clip</a>. John Strong’s making the call, the fans are freaking out. What a way for Adi to go out, giving us a 2-1 victory with the last goal he’ll ever score for the Green and Gold.</p>
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<p id="GmyK1s"><strong>6) </strong>I’m going to use this final degree to say farewell to Fanendo Adi.</p>
<p id="pld1ij">There are Timbers fans who don’t like Adi and never have. I suppose they have their reasons, and fine, whatever. I’ve got reasons, too. Let me give them to you. Let me tell you why we should say goodbye to this man with full hearts and best wishes.</p>
<p id="IX0bnm">For starters, he was this club’s first great striker. Who was better? Maxi Urruti? Ryan Johnson? Kris Boyd? Kenny Cooper? Maybe you could say John Bain was great, but he was playing in a much, much, <em>much</em> worse league. Adi was here while MLS was improving by leaps and bounds, and during that time he was, unquestionably, one of the best strikers in it, a striker other teams would kill to have.</p>
<p id="P1GnFL">Secondly, he’s been our best goalscorer since he got here. Yes, Diego Valeri’s got more goals overall, but remember, Diego’s been here a season and a half longer. Since Adi arrived in the middle of 2014, no one’s put more in the net.</p>
<p id="Qyf8fX">Third, he’s been incredibly consistent. Check out his stats below. Nine goals, 16 goals, 16 goals, 10 goals. If he’d played full seasons in 2014 and 2017, you might be looking at 16, 16, 16, and 16. The dude was a sure thing.</p>
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<p id="39o9MW">Fourth, he’s been money off the bench.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Since making his MLS debut in May 2014, Fanendo Adi has scored 9 goals as a substitute, which is 2nd-most in that timespan behind only Alan Gordon. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RCTID?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RCTID</a></p>— Mike Donovan (@TheMikeDonovan) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheMikeDonovan/status/1023440133037539329?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 29, 2018</a>
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<p id="eV32Wp">Fifth, he got pounded every single game. Go up and take another look at that clip of him entering the game. (I’ll make it easier for you. <a href="https://twitter.com/TimbersFC/status/1023429172901765120">Here’s the link</a>.) Right at the end, watch how Machado gives him an elbow while he passes, then Watts immediately gives him a shoulder. Play hasn’t even started yet! That’s just him coming onto the field! Every single game was like that for Adi and I can only remember one time he flipped out. (For the record, it was Beckerman who did it, <a href="https://gfycat.com/IdleCavernousArctichare">giving him an elbow to the ribs</a>.)</p>
<p id="rGlNtc">Sixth, he had some of the softest feet you’ll ever see. They weren’t necessarily <em>quick</em> feet, but they were definitely soft. You can see it clearly on my all-time favorite Timbers goal.</p>
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<p id="GsAkdd">Seventh, he was a good person. Follow him on Twitter, watch him in interviews, hear stories about him around town, and see how his teammates treat him on the field. All of it points to someone who’s a nice guy, a fun guy, and a good teammate.</p>
<p id="71Yqsq">Eighth, he had the best goal celebrations. They were always the same: he’d put his arms out, kind of like airplane wings, he’d let out a big scream, he’d run maybe 10-15 feet, and then – and here’s the important part – then he’d gather all his teammates into a huge hug. If any of you have kids playing soccer, show them Adi’s goal celebrations. Show them Valeri’s, too. Adi does the airplane arms, while Valeri does the jumping fist pump, but then they both bring the entire team into a big group hug. This is how you do it, kids. Score your goal, be happy, then let your teammates know that they matter, too. This goal is about them, too.</p>
<p id="R98HT4">And ninth, yeah, sure, he wanted a trade, but can you really hate him for that? Great players want to start. Great players want to make good money. Great players want to play against great competition. And great players in the prime of their careers <em>should</em> want all these things. Adi’s career was stalling here, so he’s moving on. If you hate him for that, let me ask you, do you hate Darlington Nagbe, too? How about Adam Kwarasey? Jorge Villafana? Rodney Freaking Wallace? Players move on. That doesn’t make them bad people. Nagbe’s a #TimberForLife and so is Fanendo Adi.</p>
<p id="2d7vEi">Adi’s been an amazing player for us, he should get his name up in the rafters someday, and when that happens, you should point up to it and tell people, “Yeah, I saw him play. Amazing player. Big dude. Soft feet. Took a beating every game. First great striker this team ever had.”</p>
<p id="KWIK9b">I’ll finish with a clip of him after the game, after he’d received his final log slice and went up onto the capo stand to say his goodbyes. Watch it with the sound on. It was an amazing moment. I was up in 105 trying not to cry. </p>
<p id="tWVVjc">I’ll miss you, Fanendo, and I wish you nothing but good luck. Except, of course, when you’re playing the Timbers.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">This guy. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PORvHOU?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PORvHOU</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RCTID?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RCTID</a> <a href="https://t.co/avJoONIzHL">pic.twitter.com/avJoONIzHL</a></p>— Portland Timbers (@TimbersFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/TimbersFC/status/1023437680745443330?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 29, 2018</a>
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https://www.stumptownfooty.com/2018/7/29/17628410/six-degrees-adi-bomayeC.I. DeMann2018-07-28T22:05:41-07:002018-07-28T22:05:41-07:00Fanendo Adi scores in his farewell match as Portland Timbers beat Houston Dynamo 2-1
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<img alt="MLS: Houston Dynamo at Portland Timbers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/9T8p7d5OWZhaR2iUIGRSzvZ4y38=/0x0:4086x2724/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/60604809/usa_today_10992731.1532840741.jpg" />
<figcaption>Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p id="TiqYrT">The <a href="https://www.stumptownfooty.com/">Portland Timbers</a> played a back and forth match against the <a href="https://www.dynamotheory.com/">Houston Dynamo</a> on Saturday night, bidding a fitting farewell to forward <span>Fanendo Adi</span> in the 2-1 win. The big man netted his 54th goal as a Timber after coming on late in the match for one final appearance with the side.</p>
<p id="oWhoxK">The Timbers got on the board early, opening the scoring in just the 7th minute of play. After collecting the ball in the midfield, the Maestro, <span>Diego Valeri</span>, played a through ball down the flank and into the path of Alvas Powell. In isolation with DeMarcus Beasley, Powell stepped over the ball, created space for himself, and sent in a floating cross that flew over the box and found the far-post run of Sebastian Blanco. As the ball fell to him, Blanco struck it low, first time, beating Dynamo keeper <span>Joe Willis</span> and giving the Timbers a 1-0 lead.</p>
<p id="jTsgTQ">In the 12th minute, the Dynamo answered thanks to the high pressure of Alberth Elis. As Julio Cascante held up the ball in the Timbers’ end, Elis pounced, stripping the ball away from the Timbers’ center back and tripping him up in the process. As the Timbers scrambled to recover, Elis was able to send a dribbling cross through the box that rolled just out of reach of a series of Timbers before finding <span>Romell Quioto</span> at the back post for the easy tap across the goal line.</p>
<p id="Guk72t">In the 20th minute, after a foul-heavy stretch of play that saw yellow cards issued to both teams, the Timbers almost found their second. After pinging the ball around the Dynamo half, Blanco slid a well-weighted through ball in behind the Dynamo line for Dairon Asprilla. Beating his man to the ball, Asprilla looked to tuck a shot past Willis, but the Dynamo keeper rushed off his line and, at the last possible moment, stuck out a glove and stopped the shot dead.</p>
<p id="QcwLM3">Asprilla had another chance just two minutes later off a Timbers free kick. On the restart, Valeri dropped a curling ball into the Dynamo box, finding <span>Larrys Mabiala</span>. Mabiala’s header floated in the Dynamo box, falling directly to Asprilla who lined up a bicycle kick and made strong contact, only for his shot to go right at Willis, who parried it away.</p>
<p id="rTrtNu">The Dynamo found a chance of their own in the 33rd minute and again it was Elis making things happen for the visitors. After Andrew Wenger cut inside from the flank and floated a cross to the Timbers’ back post, Elis rose up, bowling over Powell and putting a skipping header toward goal that fell barely wide of the post.</p>
<p id="wPLfed">After the halftime break, the Timbers came out looking to keep the Dynamo under pressure and largely succeeded, sending repeated balls into the Dynamo box but failing to connect with any of them.</p>
<p id="dpkPNw">With the Timbers continuing to keep up the pressure, the side made a notable change in the 75th minute, bringing on Adi for what we learned before the match <a href="https://www.stumptownfooty.com/2018/7/28/17626416/fanendo-adi-to-bid-farewell-to-the-portland-timbers-transfer-striker">would be his final game in a Timbers uniform</a>.</p>
<p id="GiqyMv">Five minutes into his final match with the Timbers, Fanendo Adi scored. In the 80th minute, the Timbers worked the ball once again in to the Dynamo end and some fancy footwork from Blanco was paid off with a short pass into a scrum of players that bounced, ricocheted, and eventually fell to Adi just outside the goal to bundle the ball home and give the Timbers the 2-1 lead.</p>
<p id="I5jTdn">Although the Dynamo pressed forward in search of an equalizer, the Timbers were able to weather their late push and ran out the match to keep all three points in Portland and move into third place in the Western Conference.</p>
<p id="oVyt2g">The Timbers continue their home run next weekend when they will host Eastern Conference side the <a href="https://www.brotherlygame.com/">Philadelphia Union</a> on Saturday, August 4th.</p>
https://www.stumptownfooty.com/2018/7/28/17626508/fanendo-adi-scores-in-his-farewell-match-as-portland-timbers-beat-houston-dynamo-2-1-mlsWilliam Conwell2018-07-28T19:43:58-07:002018-07-28T19:43:58-07:00Updated: Fanendo Adi to bid farewell to the Portland Timbers
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<figcaption>Fanendo Adi takes to the pitch for the Portland Timbers’ pregame warmup before their match against the Houston Dynamo at Providence Park. 7/28/18 | Kris Lattimore</figcaption>
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<p>Tonight’s match will be the striker’s last with the Timbers.</p> <p id="T4cVPw"><strong>Update:</strong> Fanendo Adi came on in the 75th minute of the match for Dairon Asprilla and, in the 80th minute, scored his 54th goal for the Timbers.</p>
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<p id="BNzpyF">Tonight’s match against the <a href="https://www.dynamotheory.com/">Houston Dynamo</a> will be <span>Fanendo Adi</span>’s last with the <a href="https://www.stumptownfooty.com/">Portland Timbers,</a> according to Oregonian reporter Jamie Goldberg. Goldberg broke the news on Twitter in the lead up to the match with Adi in the Timbers’ 18 and poised for an appearance in the Western Conference clash.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Tonight will be Fanendo Adi's final game as a Portland Timber. The Timbers have completed a deal to move him. I do not yet have details on whether he is going to another MLS club or abroad <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://twitter.com/hashtag/PORvHOU?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PORvHOU</a> <a href="https://t.co/oga3cXar9U">https://t.co/oga3cXar9U</a></p>— Jamie Goldberg (@Jamiebgoldberg) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jamiebgoldberg/status/1023397971272949761?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 29, 2018</a>
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<p id="rSlzcQ">Rumors of Adi’s impending departure have been swirling for several weeks now, with news that the striker had <a href="https://www.stumptownfooty.com/2018/7/26/17619944/report-fanendo-adi-requests-transfer-timbers-mls-dp">requested a transfer breaking last week</a>.</p>
<p id="vDPWNI">Coming into today’s match, Adi has made 125 league appearances for the Timbers, notching 53 goals and 14 assists in the process. Those totals are enough to make Adi the Timbers’ second all-time leading scorer behind <span>Diego Valeri</span> and the club’s third all-time points leader behind Valeri and Timbers legend John Bain.</p>
<p id="fHkjKT">After joining the Timbers halfway through their 2014 season, Adi quickly established himself as the side’s go-to goal scorer. Adi lead the Timbers in scoring in both 2015 and 2016, before being held back by injuries in 2017, and falling behind Samuel Armenteros on Giovanni Savarese’s depth chart this year.</p>
<p id="5IeWAd">Where Adi will end up remains to be seen, but we wish him well wherever that might be.</p>
https://www.stumptownfooty.com/2018/7/28/17626416/fanendo-adi-to-bid-farewell-to-the-portland-timbers-transfer-strikerWilliam Conwell2018-07-28T17:00:02-07:002018-07-28T17:00:02-07:00Portland Timbers vs. Houston Dynamo: How to watch, preview, match chat [8:00]
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<img alt="MLS: Portland Timbers at Houston Dynamo" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/w_ph4AcaSrl2KugZZgUpOQ0GMP8=/0x0:3041x2027/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/60603007/usa_today_10185865.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p id="vrekIb">The <a href="https://www.stumptownfooty.com/">Portland Timbers</a> will take on the <a href="https://www.dynamotheory.com/">Houston Dynamo</a> tonight as they continue the four game home stand that could either catapult the Timbers up the standings or see them fall back into the pack in the Western Conference. </p>
<p id="SywgXV">The Timbers will be facing an 8th place Dynamo side who are without two players due to suspension and weary from playing four games over the course of the last two weeks, so there is no excuse for dropped points in tonight’s match. Of course, the Dynamo are packing plenty of attacking talent, so it will be up to the Timbers to shut down the likes of <span>Alberth Elis</span> and <span>Romell Quioto</span>.</p>
<p id="pL8QzM">Of particular interest for the home side will be the striker position, where <span>Fanendo Adi</span> is the subject of intense trade rumors, Samuel Armenteros was recently added to the injury report as questionable, and both Foster Langsdorf and <span>Jeremy Ebobisse</span> were on the road with Portland Timbers 2 today, notching a brace and a goal and an assist respectively.</p>
<h4 id="EIyBiK">Previews</h4>
<p id="OGS8GN"><a href="https://www.stumptownfooty.com/2018/7/27/17617402/portland-timbers-vs-houston-dynamo-fanendo-adi-mauro-manotas-wilmer-cabrera-giovanni-saverese"><strong>Storylines</strong></a><strong>:</strong> “<span>Wilmer Cabrera</span>’s Dynamo have played five matches in the last two weeks and are starting to run on fumes. The scoreline from Wednesday’s match against the Union is really misleading. Even when Houston went down to ten men with a half hour to go, they didn’t pack it in defensively, but pressed for an equalizer. A penalty late into stoppage time dashed their hopes of a draw.”</p>
<p id="NImUaD"><em>And stop by the </em><a href="https://www.stumptownfooty.com/2018/7/28/17625228/rose-city-forecast-19-portland-timbers-vs-houston-dynamo-mls-prediction-thread"><em>Rose City Forecast</em></a><em> to make your predictions for today’s match.</em></p>
<h4 id="iW7Oob">Match Information</h4>
<p id="usKbOe"><strong>Watch it on:</strong> FOX 12 Plus (KPDX)</p>
<p id="MCIJFw"><strong>Where:</strong> Providence Park in Portland, OR</p>
<p id="TBPNdB"><strong>When:</strong> Saturday, July 28th at 8:00 p.m. PT</p>
<p id="pz1WpD"><strong>Portland Timbers:</strong> 8-3-7, 5th place in the Western Conference, 2-2 draw to Montreal Impact</p>
<p id="TowFId"><strong>Houston Dynamo:</strong> 7-7-6, 8th place in the Western Conference, 3-1 loss to <a href="https://www.brotherlygame.com/">Philadelphia Union</a></p>
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https://www.stumptownfooty.com/2018/7/28/17626088/portland-timbers-vs-houston-dynamo-how-to-watch-preview-match-chat-8-00William Conwell2018-07-28T09:44:41-07:002018-07-28T09:44:41-07:00Rose City Forecast 19: Portland Timbers vs Houston Dynamo
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<img alt="MLS: Western Conference Semifinal-Houston Dynamo at Portland Timbers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/yzvIo6UW08BlirJ-3H56lOJfIFs=/2x0:3583x2387/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/60600603/usa_today_10395496.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p id="3TbPit">Hi folks, I’m filling in for CR today as he’s having some logistical issues this weekend. As such, please forgive this very quick-and-dirty approach to a prediction thread. </p>
<p id="e9YHXs">Last week the Timbers came from behind twice to draw the <a href="https://www.mountroyalsoccer.com/">Montreal Impact</a> at home, 2-2. Goals were scored by <span>Saphir Taider</span> (Alejandro Silva), Samuel Armenteros, <span>Matteo Mancosu</span> (<span>Ignacio Piatti</span>), and Diego Valeri. The only yellow card of the match went to <span>Samuel Piette</span>, so under on cards would have been correct.</p>
<p id="TgFzYA">No standings or points-based updates as I’ll leave that to CR when he returns next week.</p>
<p id="QpMLNG">This week, the Timbers take on the <a href="https://www.dynamotheory.com/">Houston Dynamo</a> in another home match. Houston is coming fresh off a 3-1 Wednesday loss to the <a href="https://www.brotherlygame.com/">Philadelphia Union</a> and will be missing <span>Darwin Ceren</span> and <span>Alejandro Fuenmayor</span> due to yellow card accumulation. Will the Timbers be able to take three points at home, or will the Dynamo send Timbers fans into uncomfortable remembrances of last November?</p>
<p id="MIojsi"><strong>Total Cards O/U:</strong> 2.5</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="45jyB0"></p>
https://www.stumptownfooty.com/2018/7/28/17625228/rose-city-forecast-19-portland-timbers-vs-houston-dynamo-mls-prediction-threadZach Kay2018-07-27T18:24:07-07:002018-07-27T18:24:07-07:00Storylines: Timbers vs Dynamo
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<img alt="MLS: Western Conference Semifinal-Houston Dynamo at Portland Timbers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/4SenVHb1k9h71I7hhyK1ixsbB1s=/0x0:3870x2580/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/60597599/usa_today_10395235.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>A hot time in Soccer City USA!</p> <h3 id="5MfClD">The Story So Far</h3>
<p id="YYz6Am">The Timbers are fresh off a come-from-behind draw with the <a href="https://www.mountroyalsoccer.com/">Montreal Impact</a> to extend their MLS unbeaten streak to 13 matches and are now working on the longest home stand in the MLS era era. With two dropped points at home last week, the Timbers need to put it to the Dynamo and secure all three points.</p>
<p id="PTD7j8">The Dynamo are coming off a 3-1 loss to the <a href="https://www.brotherlygame.com/">Philadelphia Union</a> on Wednesday night, and tied with <a href="https://www.bigdsoccer.com/">FC Dallas</a> on the weekend in the Texas Derby. The Dynamo have a less-than-impressive 1-4-4 record when on the road. Will Houston picked up a much-needed win on the road? Or will the Timbers continue their eight-match unbeaten run at home?</p>
<h3 id="U3e6Yx">Orange Slices</h3>
<p id="BLQYu3">When the Dynamo roll into town they will be without two starters, <span>Darwin Ceren</span> and <span>Alejandro Fuenmayor,</span> both due to yellow card accumulations after cautions picked up in Wednesday’s match against the Union. Tomas Martinez was given a red in that match, but appealed the ruling and had it rescinded, so he will be available for selection. </p>
<p id="rS5U2C">While <span>Wilmer Cabrera</span> likes to rotate his side often, I’m not sure he expected to have three starters out, coming into Providence Park to take on a Western Conference opponent.</p>
<p id="jrXPxw">The <a href="https://www.dynamotheory.com/">Houston Dynamo</a> are two spots outside the playoffs with 15 matches remaining. Currently they average 1.42 points per game, which lands them just one spot out of a playoff spot, in seventh. For contrast, the Timbers are at 1.72 ppg, which puts them in second place in the Western Conference. Currently the Timbers sit on 31 point in fifth place, and the fewest games played of any team in the west.</p>
<h3 id="RayLq0">Chalkboard</h3>
<p id="OGS8GN">Wilmer Cabrera’s Dynamo have played five matches in the last two weeks and are starting to run on fumes. The scoreline from Wednesday’s match against the Union is really misleading. Even when Houston went down to ten men with a half hour to go, they didn’t pack it in defensively, but pressed for an equalizer. A penalty late into stoppage time dashed their hopes of a draw. </p>
<p id="AR2sOq">The Dynamo run a 4-3-3 and run with the throttle wide open, but come this weekend Cabrera might have to play it a bit different. I’m sure it’ll be the same formation, but like I mentioned above, they’ll be without the services of their number 10, a defensive midfielder, and one of their young center-backs.</p>
<p id="fBiPgW">Houston’s defense is for the most part young, if you take <span>DaMarcus Beasley</span> out of the equation (I’m amazed he’s still around—I think they put him in a cryogenic sleep when he’s not playing!). He should be back this weekend with the captain’s armband patrolling from the left back spot. With a center back missing because of yellow card accumulation, they’ll have to reach into their limited depth. I say limited because they have some injuries in the center back department, so they’re a tad thin in that position.</p>
<p id="16SxyP">Houston are definitely less organized than what the Timbers faced last week in the Montreal Impact. With the center backs being pretty young, you might be able to press them into mistakes, and they are known to give up the first goal of the match on a regular occasion. The Dynamo have, however, scored nine goals in the opening 15 minutes of games, which is something that should be looked out for.</p>
<p id="QxVj0x">Their front three are three of the most under-hyped players in the league, and maybe that’s because they’re in the West and the East is all the rage right now. The man that needs to be contained is <span>Mauro Manotas.</span> He’s scored seven goals in his last nine games, bumping up his total to 11 and breaking his season total from last year. After being in the shadow of Erick “Cubo” Torres (who is now playing for Tijuana in Liga MX) in past seasons, he’s been able to shine and is putting up some of the best numbers of his career.</p>
<p id="kiDkIX">While the Timbers need to contain Manotas, they still need to keep another eye on Alberth Elis, who has nine goals and six assists. On the other side is <span>Romell Quioto,</span> who has three goals but leads the team with eight assists. They’ve got plenty of firepower up front that will keep Portland’s defense busy.</p>
<p id="0sjcSW">For what would be the first time this season (I think) there is not a single player on the injury list for the Timbers, which is some sort of minor miracle. That gives coach Giovanni Savarese a lot of clubs in his bag. While Houston has a dismal road record, the Timbers can’t cruise through this match on autopilot—not that they have this season, but I’m always leery, especially with a fast squad like the Dynamo. This is no time for switching of,f that’s for sure.</p>
<p id="RADyeD">This will be my second week abstaining from trying to guess exactly what formation Gio will roll out on Saturday. In his short time here, I’ve already learned to trust Gio and so far that’s lead to 13 straight MLS matches without a loss. All in all, trust the system. The one thing that the Timbers really need to work on is finishing off matches. For once I’d like not to be nervy in the last 15 minutes holding on to a slim lead. </p>
<h3 id="IVuAeH">Stayin’ Alive</h3>
<p id="5YImBW">The longest streak without a loss came back in 2013, when the Timbers rattled off 15 straight, and they’re making a strong case they could meet or even exceed that record. While I love this streak, the draws, especially at home, are unacceptable. Saturday’s match, to me, felt closer to a loss than a draw. The Timbers cannot drop any more points at home, seeing as this is the longest home stand in the MLS era for the Timbers.</p>
<p id="sLLVaU">Of course a lot of the talk this week has been about <span>Fanendo Adi</span> and his request to leave the club for another MLS side. The Timbers are currently shopping him around, though the fact he’s a DP could pose a problem. With his absence, it seems that everyone below Samuel Armenteros has moved up a peg in the order—though it seems like <span>Dairon Asprilla</span> has slipped into that secondary striker spot, which I’m not sure I’m totally down with.</p>
<p id="z8Wq9t">Below Asprilla are Foster Langsdorf, who has been tearing it up for T2, and Jeremy Ebobisse—so we could see some changes, especially if the Timbers snag an attacker after the sale of Adi.</p>
https://www.stumptownfooty.com/2018/7/27/17617402/portland-timbers-vs-houston-dynamo-fanendo-adi-mauro-manotas-wilmer-cabrera-giovanni-savereseTimm Higgins2018-07-24T10:27:34-07:002018-07-24T10:27:34-07:00Timbers match and TV broadcast rescheduled for Saturday
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<img alt="MLS: Western Conference Semifinal-Houston Dynamo at Portland Timbers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/NLS4uqPIg3TltiyzT-M4DkQzpok=/0x0:2420x1613/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/60473795/usa_today_10395499.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>It’s going to be a hot one</p> <p id="ATktpH">Major League Soccer and the <a href="https://www.stumptownfooty.com/">Portland Timbers</a> have announced today that they are moving the match time for this Saturday’s clash with the <a href="https://www.dynamotheory.com/">Houston Dynamo</a>. Portland is in the middle of a heat wave and temperatures are expected to reach the mid-90s on Saturday. The match was originally scheduled for a 6pm first kick, and now because of the heat it has been moved back to 8pm to allow the field to cool down.</p>
<p id="WwRHnW">The match was originally set to be broadcast on ESPN, that too has moved. It will now be seen on FOX 12+ as well as broadcast on 102-9 The Game and La GranD 1150 AM/93.5 FM. Hopefully the turf will cool down enough by 8pm, because temps could still be well into the 80’s even after the sun goes down.</p>
<p id="R8rvly">If you’re attending the match, make sure to keep hydrated and stay as cool as possible.</p>
https://www.stumptownfooty.com/2018/7/24/17608318/timbers-match-and-tv-broadcast-rescheduled-for-saturdays-match-mls-espnTimm Higgins