Stumptown Footy - Coverage Hub: Portland Timbers vs Toronto FCYou are my sunshine, my only sunshine.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/31537/stumptown-fave.jpg2018-08-30T19:00:02-07:00http://www.stumptownfooty.com/rss/stream/175622892018-08-30T19:00:02-07:002018-08-30T19:00:02-07:00Six Degrees: Off The Schneid
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<figcaption>The Portland Timbers celebrate against Toronto, 29 August 2018 | Kris Lattimore, Instagram: kris.lattimore</figcaption>
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<p>Portland 2, Toronto 0</p> <p id="JmpnHh">See? It’s just like I said in my last column. Forget attackers, I said. If you want to score goals, you need some d-mids!</p>
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<p id="UAaY1b"><strong>1) </strong>After two straight shutouts, the Timbers finally scored. After four straight losses, the Timbers finally won. And after a long difficult period wondering if we’d ever be happy again, Timbers fans can finally exhale.</p>
<p id="3J3Ykb">Just like on Sunday against Seattle, the defense looked pretty solid. Toronto got some dangerous looks here and there, including a ton of corner kicks late in the game, but in the end only had one shot on goal, so <span><strong>Jeff Attinella</strong></span> got himself another clean sheet.</p>
<p id="hRUEDn">On the offensive side of the field, though? Not nearly so impressive.</p>
<p id="6NGFdh">We started the game looking very dangerous in the attack, and were unfortunate to not grab a goal, but that faded after 15-20 minutes, and we began to look like the team that’s been shut out two straight games. There were usually only three men attacking, two of them outside the box, one inside it. With three center backs and a couple d-mids, Toronto’s defense always seemed to have a numbers advantage and rarely looked tested, rarely even looked like they were breaking a sweat.</p>
<p id="UhZ0rQ">Maybe you thought the offense looked better than that. Please tell me down in the comments. But to my eyes, we looked like an offense with no ideas, and as the clocked ticked toward 90 and the score stayed 0-0, I found myself getting more and more convinced that our offense was truly broken and that a third straight shutout was on its way.</p>
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<p id="tQiJmw"><strong>2) </strong>And then, in the 64<sup>th</sup> minute, everything seemed to come together for the Timbers.</p>
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<p id="oQSyzn">There are many, many things to appreciate here.</p>
<p id="AUeIIt">One, look at that pass from <span><strong>Zarek Valentin</strong></span>. No pause, no hesitation, just a perfectly placed, perfectly weighted pass to a streaking <strong>Sebastian Blanco</strong>.</p>
<p id="LZ1riV">Two, look at <strong>Samuel Armenteros</strong> drawing his defender away from the action. I think Sammy was looking for a pass, but maybe not. Maybe acting as a decoy was completely planned.</p>
<p id="sytMX6">Three, look at Blanco letting the ball roll forward, untouched, while he surveys the field.</p>
<p id="8oK1zF">Four, look at his options. Instead of a double-covered Armenteros and no one else, Blanco has not one, not two, but <em>three</em> possible targets. <strong>Andy Polo</strong> in the middle, <span><strong>Diego Chara</strong></span> on the back post, or <span><strong>Diego Valeri</strong></span><strong> </strong>making a late run.</p>
<p id="0Ot8yl">And finally, look at Blanco’s pass. Just like Valentin’s, it’s picture-perfect. </p>
<p id="Lw9Igw">That sequence right there, <em>that’s</em> what I’d been wanting to see all game. <em>That’s</em> what I’ve been wanting to see for weeks now. Flowing soccer. Multiple options in the box. A defense looking overwhelmed.</p>
<p id="EFeZ4u">It seems like forever since the Timbers have attacked like this. If the boys can bottle that shit, if they can do it consistently from the opening minute to the last, this team could get hot again, start another long unbeaten streak, and start climbing back up the table.</p>
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<p id="OlHv4b"><strong>3) </strong>There was a second goal, of course, in the 83<sup>rd</sup> minute, and <strong>David Guzman</strong> seemed to create it out of thin air.</p>
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<p id="iupGn7">The irony is that Toronto’s Michael Bradley had been really good all night long, but he utterly turned off here, and Gooz made him pay. Do we also blame the Toronto keeper? Did the pass hang Bradley out to dry? Could he have yelled some warning? Or is this totally on Bradley?</p>
<p id="s9lQiC">Or maybe it’s less about Toronto’s mistakes and more about Guzman making a great play. He had the legs to make a late-game hustle play, and his finish was absolutely clinical. Well done, Gooz. Keep it up and you may never leave the starting XI again.</p>
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<p id="BOdevE"><strong>4) </strong>Just a minute or so before Guzman’s goal, one of our exciting new players – or rather, one of our exciting <em>returning </em>players – <span><strong>Lucas Melano</strong></span> came into the game and, just a minute or so <em>after</em> Guzman’s goal, nearly got us a third.</p>
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<p id="ZsPC1h">That’s a nice little run from Melano, an absolutely gorgeous pass from Valeri, and an on-target shot that required a nice kick save from the keeper. All of the above, plus some good energetic work elsewhere on the field, has me feeling positive about Melano’s return. I don’t know if he’ll end up being a starter or a substitute, a winger or a forward, but I’m excited to find out. This team needs some attacking help. Maybe after a couple years in Argentina, plus working under a new coach, Melano will provide that.</p>
<p id="5Js8iW">But Melano wasn’t the biggest new contributor on Wednesday night. That would be starting left back, US Men’s National Team regular, and returning hero <span><strong>Jorge Villafana</strong></span>.</p>
<p id="POHEjD">It’s hurts me to say this, but I didn’t think Jorge was all that amazing on Wednesday night. He certainly wasn’t <em>bad,</em> he just didn’t seem like an obvious upgrade from what Zarek Valentin has been doing all year. It’s possible – maybe even probable – that I just had unrealistic expectations, that I expected him to step in and instantly be 2015 MLS Cup Jorge. He’s clearly not there yet, but hopefully will be soon. What did you think of his performance? Am I way off base? Was he a clear upgrade?</p>
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<p id="Zy5EPz"><strong>5) </strong>Some random thoughts.</p>
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<li id="h9yxYA">Much to my amazement, we had two actual, real, live attackers on the bench Wednesday night, including – he’s alive! – <span><strong>Jeremy Ebobisse</strong></span>. Apparently, miracles do happen.</li>
<li id="I2osfZ">When Sebastian Blanco brought his birthday baby out for the anthem, all I could think was, “Great, now Sydney Leroux’s gonna start whining about how she couldn’t bring her baby out for the anthem, too.”</li>
<li id="PzK5Yx">I’ve liked Andy Polo a lot these last two games. He’s had a few moments of putting his head down and charging forward and it’s really impressive. I’d kind of like to see Gio turn him loose. Maybe set up in a 4-2-3-1 with Polo as a winger?</li>
<li id="Kqck1h">This was the first home victory for backup keeper <strong>Steve Clark</strong> and I was watching his face during the log ceremony. He looked amazed and delighted by the chants and the Tetrising and the kids running around on the field and just the overall awesomeness of a Timbers home win. Hopefully there will be many more coming.</li>
<li id="n98qmp">Speaking of goalkeepers, this whole Jeff Jeff Jeff thing is remarkable. Signs, two-sticks, smaller flags, hundreds of people yelling “Jeff Jeff Jeff” every time he makes a save. Whoever started this, congratulations. It’s officially a thing.</li>
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<p id="npyhly"><strong>6) </strong>Three games in one week is always hard, but it’s especially hard when they’re on Sunday, Wednesday, and Saturday. It’s game, two days break, game, two days break, game. Making it even worse this week, our final game requires a 3,000 mile trip across the continent.</p>
<p id="Ewew3s">Here’s what we know about New England: they love to press high up the field, cause turnovers, and turn those into goals. It was extremely effective at the start of the year, and took them high up the Eastern Conference standings, but either their press has gotten worse or the rest of the league has figured it out, because they’ve been average to below average since the middle of May. And they been genuinely putrid lately, going 0-6-1 in their last seven games.</p>
<p id="ygAlUM">This, of course, means they’ll beat the Timbers 4-0.</p>
<p id="FlBspL">Do we have any predictions about Gio’s starting lineup? He played pretty much his A-team against Toronto. How many of those players will get the New England game off? Will some A-teamers stay home? Not even fly to Boston?</p>
<p id="Xr7Jt9">As to that last point, I hope so. It’s late in the year, players are tired, and I think a true, honest-to-God stay at home and rest up week would do our team a lot of good. Does Gio agree? I have no idea. I’m about ready to give up on predicting Gio’s lineups.</p>
<p id="VbYWuf">But what I can do is give you the lineup <em>I’d</em> play if I were the coach.</p>
<p id="x62U03">I’d play the very rested <span><strong>Marco Farfan</strong></span><strong> </strong>and<strong> Alvas Powell</strong> at fullback. I’d play <strong>Julio Cascante </strong>and<strong> </strong><span><strong>Bill Tuiloma</strong></span> at center back.</p>
<p id="2B2vp9">I’d start Diego Chara solely for good luck, then pull him at halftime for <strong>Lawrence Olum</strong>. On either side would be <strong>Andres Flores </strong>and<strong> Cristhian Paredes</strong>.</p>
<p id="ZgjLNj">The attackers would be... jeez, this is tough. I’d leave Blanco and Valeri back in Portland. Maybe Armenteros, too. So who’s our attacking trio? <span><strong>Dairon Asprilla</strong></span>, Lucas Melano, and Jeremy Ebobisse? I don’t feel good about that. There’s no clear number 10, no clear playmaker.</p>
<p id="8EL46M">Dang, I’m now genuinely worried about my fake lineup’s chances. Do you think our 2nd-teamers could beat a death-spiraling New England team on the road? Who would you start if you were in charge? Throw some lineups at me down in the comments, okay? And please, please, <em>please</em> make one of them a 1-2-3-4. (WE ATTACK! THEY DEFEND!)</p>
<p id="LKs0po">See you on Saturday, everybody.</p>
https://www.stumptownfooty.com/2018/8/30/17802682/six-degrees-off-the-schneidC.I. DeMann2018-08-29T21:30:03-07:002018-08-29T21:30:03-07:00The streak is over; Portland Timbers beat Toronto FC 2-0
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<figcaption>Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p id="HK9n3C">The <a href="https://www.stumptownfooty.com/">Portland Timbers</a> broke their losing streak today, beating <a href="https://www.wakingthered.com/">Toronto FC</a> 2-0 and moving back above the red line in the Western Conference. The Timbers win was built with a strong defensive performance and capped off by goals from <span>David Guzman</span> and <span>Diego Chara</span>.</p>
<p id="bDwzYz">The Timbers were quick out of the gate, looking dangerous on the break in the early going. As the heavily rotated Toronto side looked to find their footing, the Timbers found success by switching the field and bringing their full backs into the play.</p>
<p id="eEGlHC">The first real chance of the match came in the 8th minute as the Timbers passed the ball around the left wing before a chipped ball into the box from <span>Sebastian Blanco</span> found Samuel Armenteros in the box. Although Armenteros’s run carried him away from goal, the Timbers forward was able to spin on his man, sending the Toronto defender sprawling to the ground. With reinforcements arriving, Armenteros elected to do it himself, shooting at the near post from a tight angle only for his shot to splash into the side-netting.</p>
<p id="0VfLJQ">The chance shook the visitors awake and, in the 10th minute, Toronto found a chance of their own. Receiving the ball at the edge of the Timbers box, <span>Jozy Altidore</span> turned and sent a through ball to the end line for the overlapping run of Ryan Telfer. Telfer played in a waist-level cross that found Toronto forward Lucas Janson for the redirection toward goal. The ball spun forward, out of the reach of <span>Jeff Attinella</span>, before bouncing off the post and being cleared away by <span>Jorge Villafana</span>.</p>
<p id="5bM2Zo">With play now shifting from end to end, both teams threatened, but chances remained hard to come by.</p>
<p id="DsMUa0">In the 23rd minute, however, the Timbers had a pair of ripe opportunities as they broke forward through <span>Zarek Valentin</span> on the right flank. Receiving a through ball, Valentin took a touch forward before hitting a low, hard pass to <span>Diego Valeri</span> at the near post. Valeri was able to touch the ball toward goal, but could not redirect it around keeper <span>Clint Irwin</span> who was able to make the save.</p>
<p id="0k3FWf">Moments later, it was Blanco carrying the ball toward the end line before cutting a pass back into the path of Armenteros. The striker hit a hard, first time shot only to see it slam into the torso of Toronto captain Michael Bradley and deflect away from goal.</p>
<p id="qaUo6N">In the 38th minute, the Timbers found reason to complain as Diego Chara was taken down with a body check from <span>Marky Delgado</span>, who was already on a yellow card, as he started to break down the pitch. After consulting with the assistant referee and the fourth official, referee Fotis Bazakos declined to issue the second yellow, much to the displeasure of the Timbers.</p>
<p id="SxdsE7">The call seemed to rob the Timbers of the momentum that they had been building as the half wore on and neither side was able to mount much of an attack before heading into the locker room for half time.</p>
<p id="dXF4si">The second half saw both sides looking to reassert themselves and it took until the 57th minute for the Timbers to put together something dangerous. When they did it came on the break as Andy Polo picked up the ball deep in the Timbers half and went forward before playing a long pass along the ground to Blanco on the run. Carrying the ball into the Toronto box, Blanco created space for himself with a quick shimmy of the hips and took a low shot that Irwin was able to parry away.</p>
<p id="Ym3Rgy">Revitalized, the chances began to come for the Timbers and in the 62nd minute they came close once again. As the Timbers pushed forward quickly on the break, Armenteros slipped the ball forward to Blanco as the Argentine entered the Toronto box. Dribbling his way around a pair of Toronto defenders, Blanco found himself in on goal but off balance and could only look away in frustration after blazing his close-range shot over the bar. </p>
<p id="0wTwDp">The frustration would not last long, however, as the Timbers finally found the back of the net in the 64th minute. Again hitting out on the break, this time the Timbers found Blanco floating out wide to the right. Receiving the ball in space, Blanco was able to lift his head and send a rolling pass behind the Toronto back line and into the path of Diego Chara at the back post. With Irwin scrambling one way, Chara sent the ball the other, picking out the back of the net with a simple touch forward and giving the Timbers a 1-0 lead.</p>
<p id="oTFabk">Toronto pushed back and, in the 80th minute, Bradley played substitute <span>Jay Chapman</span> into the Timbers box. From a tight angle, Chapman unloaded a heavy-footed shot on goal that forced Attinella into a strong punch to steer the ball away from goal.</p>
<p id="2cynif">The Timbers were able to grab an insurance goal in the 83rd minute when David Guzman put the Toronto back line under pressure high up the pitch. Taking the ball off the foot of Michael Bradley on the edge of the box, Guzman took a touch and shot, picking out the near post to give the Timbers a 2-0 lead.</p>
<p id="skYDkk">The Timbers came close to getting their third in the 86th minute, when Valeri slipped a through ball into the Toronto box for returning forward <span>Lucas Melano</span> to run onto. Melano shot, looking for the far post, but Irwin was able to stick out a boot and knock the ball wide.</p>
<p id="rwtTVn">There was one final nervy moment for the Timbers when, in the 89th minute, Toronto were able to put a headed ball off the cross bar on a corner kick, then Altidore slammed the rebound up into the 200-level stands of Providence Park.</p>
<p id="d0TFcn">The Timbers are on the road for their next match when they will take on the <a href="https://www.thebentmusket.com/">New England Revolution</a> this Saturday, September 1st.</p>
https://www.stumptownfooty.com/2018/8/29/17798738/the-streak-is-over-portland-timbers-beat-toronto-fc-2-0William Conwell2018-08-29T17:23:17-07:002018-08-29T17:23:17-07:00Portland Timbers vs. Toronto FC: How to watch, preview, match chat [7:30]
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<figcaption>Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p id="DFtHr5">The <a href="https://www.stumptownfooty.com/">Portland Timbers</a> take to the pitch tonight, just three days after their impotent loss to the <a href="https://www.sounderatheart.com/">Seattle Sounders</a>, looking like a team with their backs up against the wall. Their opponents, last year’s treble winners, <a href="https://www.wakingthered.com/">Toronto FC</a>, are in similar straits. Both teams come into this match in need of three points as they jockey for playoff position.</p>
<p id="IDr9nd">Entering into the final stretch of the season, the Timbers have fallen below the red line with only ten matches left to play and a field of strong sides above them in the Western Conference standings. Despite that -- and a streak of four straight losses -- the Timbers have at least one game in hand on everyone else in the West, an even split of home and away matches, and a defensive corps that, when healthy, is among the best in the league.</p>
<p id="ezXEMd">Of course, the Timbers are on an unprecedented losing streak. They have been outscored 10-2 on aggregate during those games. They gave up their first two home losses of the 2018 season in vital matches against their two biggest rivals. New re-additions <span>Lucas Melano</span> and Jorgbe Villafana have yet to play. Promising youngsters Foster Langsdorf and <span>Jeremy Ebobisse</span> have yet to be given a chance with the first team since the departure of <span>Fanendo Adi</span>. </p>
<p id="ybUM70">It is an even year.</p>
<p id="lncgHf">The pressure is mounting and the only way to release it is results.</p>
<h4 id="8hlEcW">Preview</h4>
<p id="BsbXwB"><a href="https://www.stumptownfooty.com/2018/8/28/17791700/storylines-portland-timbers-vs-toronto-fc-greg-vanny-liam-ridgewell-mls"><strong>Storylines</strong></a><strong>:</strong> “Giovinco leads the team in goals with 10, and midfielder <span>Jonathan Osorio</span> (listed as questionable) is second with nine. Altidore is having a somewhat quiet season, with only three tallies to his name. Though he’s there for a lot of off the ball — anything to pull defenders away from Giovinco.”</p>
<p id="PMIxXb"><em>Swing by the </em><a href="https://www.stumptownfooty.com/2018/8/29/17797832/prediction-thread-rose-city-forecast-25-portland-timbers-vs-toronto-fc"><em>Rose City Forecast</em></a><em> to make your prediction for the match.</em></p>
<h4 id="WuiCnL">Match Information</h4>
<p id="XGdIw9"><strong>Watch it on:</strong> ROOT Sports</p>
<p id="26hvgQ"><strong>Where:</strong> Providence Park</p>
<p id="fJ77uG"><strong>When:</strong> Wednesday, August 29th at 7:30 p.m. PT</p>
<p id="9AUorf"><strong>Portland Timbers:</strong> 10-7-7, 7th place in the Western Conference, lost 1-0 to Seattle Sounders</p>
<p id="Kd5uZ8"><strong>Toronto FC:</strong> 7-12-9, 9th place in the Eastern Conference, won 3-1 against <a href="https://www.mountroyalsoccer.com/">Montreal Impact</a></p>
https://www.stumptownfooty.com/portland-timbers/2018/8/29/17796176/portland-timbers-vs-toronto-fc-how-to-watch-preview-match-chat-7-30William Conwell2018-08-29T14:28:57-07:002018-08-29T14:28:57-07:00Rose City Forecast 25: Portland Timbers vs Toronto FC
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<img alt="MLS: Portland Timbers at Toronto FC" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/nhWlyfEHhDNlbKQ36ggTQKqXuDE=/0x37:2159x1476/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61071927/usa_today_10223780.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p id="lOGSaT">Welcome to a quick midweek forecast!</p>
<p id="qArxmd">After falling at home to the surging <a href="https://www.sounderatheart.com/">Seattle Sounders</a>, the <a href="https://www.stumptownfooty.com/">Portland Timbers</a> are now on a four game losing streak - their longest since 2012. As if that wasn’t enough, the team also dropped below the playoff line on total points for the first time since April and no longer controls its own destiny in the Cascadia Cup. The final score was 1-0, thanks to a Julio Cascante own goal and a mostly toothless offense. </p>
<p id="eo7tJk">Since it’s midweek, no standings.</p>
<p id="K9O7nf">Wednesday night, the teams that finished top of their respective conferences in 2017 face off in decidedly different circumstances. Last year, <a href="https://www.wakingthered.com/">Toronto FC</a> had one of the best teams ever seen in MLS and was running away with the Supporter’s Shield. They ended up winning the Cup and the Canadian Championship for a treble. This year, injuries and CONCACAF <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/champions-league">Champions League</a> hangover have left the Reds with only 27 points and chasing the playoffs from the outside. The Timbers, of course, are continuing the losing streak they began after posting MLS’s best unbeaten run of 2018. During that run, it looked like the Timbers would challenge for top of the West. After four losses in a row, it now looks like they’ll be lucky to earn a first-round bye. So, with both teams needing a win, who will come out on top in Portland tonight?</p>
<p id="MIojsi"><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. (For example, 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 an FK, and an 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; for example, 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="O0A6mG"><small>Next, choose your first yellow card, and that means picking only one person:</small></p>
<p id="7uccbX"><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="ONlSak"><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="aYSC21"><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, kicks the ball straight into NDJ’s groin. Camera pans to a trademark Chara smile.</small></p>
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https://www.stumptownfooty.com/2018/8/29/17797832/prediction-thread-rose-city-forecast-25-portland-timbers-vs-toronto-fcCR McNeil2018-08-28T18:14:47-07:002018-08-28T18:14:47-07:00Storylines: Portland Timbers vs Toronto FC
<figure>
<img alt="MLS: Portland Timbers at Toronto FC" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/1c91BxXFcvRCSHSOuYC5fWWL27o=/0x0:2732x1821/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61059957/usa_today_10214930.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Timbers look to stop the bleeding ... again</p> <h3 id="9FhBg1">The Story So Far</h3>
<p id="ItEz14">The Timbers dropped their fourth in a row on Sunday night to the <a href="https://www.sounderatheart.com/">Seattle Sounders</a>. With that loss, the Timbers are now underneath the red line, looking up instead of down. From second to seventh place in the span of four matches. Some quick thinking needs to happen to keep the club from falling further down the table.</p>
<p id="rQTra0">Reigning MLS champs <a href="https://www.wakingthered.com/">Toronto FC</a> are fighting for a playoff spot just as the Timbers are. They’re coming off a 3-1 win over rivals <a href="https://www.mountroyalsoccer.com/">Montreal Impact</a> and are looking to pick up some points on the road as they march towards the red line. </p>
<p id="aLOnWk">Can the Timbers hold off the reigning MLS champs, or will TFC come into Providence Park and walk out with three points in hand?</p>
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<h3 id="KPBd4L">The 6</h3>
<p id="Y4GaoC">Toronto FC haven’t been the world beaters we saw last season, easily marching their way to raise the MLS Cup. Some say the CONCACAF Champions League might have something to do with it, but who knows. Coming into Providence park, TFC are 3-4-3 in their last 10. Their overall road record is 2-7-4, though, so winning away from BMO field has been tough for the Reds.</p>
<p id="qKdgPb">While they are a team that is a half of what it was last season, they are still dangerous, and <span>Greg Vanney</span> is a hell of a coach. Even when they’re not winning, they are entertaining to watch, at least against other teams in the league. I think that Vanney is one of the best coaches right now in MLS, even if his side is way underperforming. TFC was also hit by the injury bug: They have two main defensive players still on the shelf.</p>
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<h3 id="39jeKd">Chalkboard</h3>
<h4 id="SHrIRJ">Toronto FC (7-12-6)</h4>
<p id="RCsaky">With injuries to their center back, Greg Vanney has experimented with Michael Bradley, usually a defensive mid, in that position. Against Montreal, they came out into what I would call a 4-3-1-2; almost a 4-4-2 if you squint hard enough. In that setup, Bradley is back into his natural number six position. With Bradley at center back, it’s a 4-1-4-1, so I have no way of guessing how Vanney is going line up the Reds.</p>
<p id="uFfPwN">They once again have the services of targetman and U.S. International Jozy Altidore, who had to sit out the last two matches from a red card. So if they go with two up front, possibly as a 4-4-2, it’ll be Altidore and <span>Sebastian Giovinco</span>. I don’t really need to get too in depth about these two players: They are both very dangerous off and on the ball and complement each other pretty well. Giovinco is currently listed as questionable, though; if he doesn’t go, look for Lucas Janson to get the start alongside Altidore.</p>
<p id="BsbXwB">Giovinco leads the team in goals with 10, and midfielder <span>Jonathan Osorio</span> (listed as questionable) is second with nine. Altidore is having a somewhat quiet season, with only three tallies to his name. Though he’s there for a lot of off the ball — anything to pull defenders away from Giovinco.</p>
<p id="MZUuF7">This team will give up goals. They’re 11th in the league in clean sheets. But I’ll give <span>Clint Irwin</span> credit where credit is due: He was looked pretty good against the Impact. I mean he’s not <span>Tim Melia</span> good (leading MLS with 11 clean sheets), but he’s still a good keeper and he might prove tough to beat. </p>
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<a href="https://www.stumptownfooty.com/">Portland Timbers</a> (10-7-7)</h4>
<p id="m3sBiR">Sunday night was undoubtedly frustrating. Although there were positives and negatives throughout the whole night, we’re not going to break them down here. It was good to see Gio go back to the trusty 4-3-2-1. It worked, and the Timbers controlled a large portion of the match. They need to do the same thing against Toronto FC — minus the whole own goal thing.</p>
<p id="mcQexD">For the center backs, Mabiala is listed as questionable with a thigh injury. So we could see a <span>Liam Ridgewell</span>/Julio Cascante pairing again. Ridgy looked pretty good on Sunday night, and the former captain thinks another start is in order. When he’s healthy, he’s good, but it’s the whole staying healthy thing he has a problem with. </p>
<p id="c6ur9a">After discussion in my head and with a colleague, I’m coming around to how good Olum has been this season. He’s earned his minutes, and I wouldn’t mind seeing him in the midfield again Wednesday. Gio may choose to rotate, though, since they’re going to be going on only two days of rest. In theory, TFC had an extra day of rest, but because they had to travel from the East Coast, so that kind of negates that extra day.</p>
<p id="stubNO">The Timbers need to remain patient against TFC. The goal(s) will come.</p>
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<h3 id="mgE92L">Log Slices</h3>
<p id="3VMW6k">The Timbers have now allowed 13 goals in minutes 76–60, which ties with the <a href="https://www.dynamotheory.com/">Houston Dynamo.</a> Leading the pack is Toronto FC, with 14 allowed in the last 15 minutes of the match — which can be some good news for the Timbers. </p>
<p id="r3SOpI">As far as scoring goals, the Timbers have scored 10 goals in minutes 46–60. For Toronto, their big goal minutes are 76–90, where they’ve scored 11; the Timbers have only scored a mere six goals in the final 15 minutes of matches. </p>
<p id="ORTjny">We’re only out of a playoff spot by a single point. A win would take the Timbers up above the line and put the Galaxy below it. We’re getting down to the nasty bits of the season where the real work gets done — and the Timbers need to wake out of their funk.</p>
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https://www.stumptownfooty.com/2018/8/28/17791700/storylines-portland-timbers-vs-toronto-fc-greg-vanny-liam-ridgewell-mlsTimm Higgins