Stumptown Footy - Portland Timbers @ San Jose Earthquakes Storystream: San Andreas FaultYou are my sunshine, my only sunshine.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/31537/stumptown-fave.jpg2013-04-24T08:59:35-07:00http://www.stumptownfooty.com/rss/stream/40075232013-04-24T08:59:35-07:002013-04-24T08:59:35-07:00Timbers @ Earthquakes Player Ratings
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<figcaption>USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Portland Timbers traveled to San Jose to take on the Earthquakes in what would be a gritty, physical match.</p> <p>I'm still feeling a little deflated after last weekend's draw. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.stumptownfooty.com/">Portland Timbers</a> came so close to their first road win of the season. While they might not have lost yet away from home, I can't help but feel a little let down. Additionally, those last 10 minutes or so of the game brought back bad memories from the previous season. Too much frantic, boot out of the box type play and not enough control. Granted, San Jose, for their part, just continually lobbed it in and hoped for something, anything to happen.</p>
<p>Anyway, here are you individual player ratings:</p>
<h3>Starting XI</h3>
<p><b><span>Donovan Ricketts</span> - 8</b></p>
<p><i>Will</i>: Ricketts should have a higher rating after his fantastic save against <span>Chris Wondolowski</span>, but the reality is that in a game where the Timbers were being forced to pass back to Ricketts time and again, he could not link up with the rest of the team at all. In the second half Ricketts completed one pass to a Timbers player and missed fourteen. Much of that is, again, thanks to the pressure and aerial abilities of San Jose, but it needs to be better if the Timbers are going to be able to see of tight games like this one and like they will probably see this weekend in Kansas City.</p>
<p><b><span>Jack Jewsbury</span> - 4<br></b></p>
<p><i>Will</i>: Against San Jose Jack may have put in his poorest showing since being put in the right back position, and much of that is down to one momentary lapse that cost the Timbers two points and their first road win of 2013. On San Jose's tying goal, Jewsbury was marked up on Adam Jahn, but he peeled off to chase <span>Steven Lenhart's</span> flicked on ball, one he had no chance of getting, leaving Jahn all alone and with all the time in the world to slot the ball into the back of the net. The rest of Jewsbury's game was unspectacular, mostly in a good way.</p>
<p><b><span>Mikael Silvestre</span> - 6</b></p>
<p><i>Ryan: </i>Once again he was solid in the back for the Timbers. The few shaky moments he did have were created by the sub par performance of his centerback partner.</p>
<p><b><span>Futty Danso</span> - 3</b></p>
<p><i>Ryan</i>: Steven Lenhart had his way with Futty in the aerial battles. One of the main reasons San Jose looked so different offensively is due the fact that Lenhart was able to win headers in dangerous positions in the second game and this is because of Futty's sub par performance.</p>
<p><b><span>Michael Harrington</span> - 3</b></p>
<p><i>Andy</i>: Certainly his worst match as a Timber, Harrington looked quite uncomfortable the whole match, no more so than when he nearly assisted <span>Sam Garza</span>. Somehow I think he'll get his mojo back against his former team this weekend, though.</p>
<p><b><span>Diego Chara</span> - 6 </b></p>
<p><i>Ryan</i>: Chara was Chara. As one commenter suggested there might be more than one Chara on the field because he pops up everywhere.</p>
<p><b><span>Will Johnson</span> - 5<br></b></p>
<p><i>Will</i>: Captain Will was the heart and soul of the team once again, but as the game wore on he went from a pivot point through which the ball could be cycled to a sure thing to pass it back to the defense who would eventually cede possession. An excellent press from San Jose as they fought for the equalizer shut Will down and, in doing so, shut down the Timbers.</p>
<p><b><span>Diego Valeri</span> - 7</b></p>
<p><i>Andy</i>: Valeri displayed all of the decisiveness we've been missing since his head injury ended his day against Houston. His incisive passes may not always find their target, they always instill panic in the minds of opposing defenders.</p>
<p><b><span>Darlington Nagbe</span> - 4 </b></p>
<p><i>Ryan</i>: On a night when Portland needed a little more possession to take the sting out of the game Nagbe just seemed off. With Nagbe not on his game the Timbers' possession suffered as a result.</p>
<p><b><span>Rodney Wallace</span> - 4</b></p>
<p><i>Geoff</i>: Wallace just didn't seem to be as effective as he was the previous week. However, in terms of player positions, for this game he also drew the short end of the stick. In starting the match San Jose brought back two of their regular starters in <span>Shea Salinas</span> and <span>Steven Beitashour</span>, both of who caused problems for Wallace all night long.</p>
<p><b><span>Ryan Johnson</span> - 6</b></p>
<p><i>Andy</i>: I like watching Johnson. He's an honest striker, makes great runs, and is really developing an understanding with the midfield. There's still room for improvement, but that only gives me more hope for how much more he'll be able to do this season.</p>
<h3>Subs</h3>
<p><b><span>Kalif Alhassan</span> - 5</b></p>
<p><i>Geoff</i>: No patented jazz hands or shrosses for Alhassan. His subbing in for Valeri had the unfortunate side effect of removing much of the creativity in the midfield, something that was pivotal for the Timbers' goal.</p>
<p><b><span>Frederic Piquionne</span> - 5</b></p>
<p><i>Geoff</i>: I like Piquionne's physicality and his willingness to run down pretty much every ball. Unfortunately, he was subbed on during a time when the Timbers decided to bunker down and lob balls out the back. While he had some nice defensive plays, his offensive efforts were minimal.</p>
<p><b><span>Ben Zemanski</span> - N/A</b></p>
<p><i>Geoff</i>: Zemanski simply didn't play long enough to be judged fairly.</p>
<p><i>What are your player ratings for the Timbers vs. Earthquakes game? Do you agree or disagree with our own?</i></p>
https://www.stumptownfooty.com/2013/4/24/4261170/portland-timbers-vs-san-jose-earthquakes-player-ratings-round-twoGeoff Gibson2013-04-23T11:30:05-07:002013-04-23T11:30:05-07:00Quotes, Stats and Chalk talk: Mosh Pit Edition
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<figcaption>USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>A look at quotes and stats from Sunday's draw between the Portland Timbers and the San Jose Earthquakes. </p> <p>It's that time of the week again. San Jose managed to come back after Portland held the lead and the quotes reflect that comeback. The stats also show that Portland wasn't as dominate as they have been this season with only 50.9% of the possession and the worst passing accuracy of the year. For this week's chalk talk I take a look at why San Jose was able to play their brand of soccer, specifically at the long balls.</p>
<h4><b><u><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.stumptownfooty.com/">Portland Timbers</a> Quotes</u></b></h4>
<p><b><u></u></b></p>
<p><b><u>Timbers head coach <span>Caleb Porter</span></u></b><br><i>Overall Thoughts:</i></p>
<blockquote>
<p>"We leave a little disappointed because we had three points in our hands. But when the dust settles, it's still a point on the road. If you look at the two-game series against San Jose, we make up three points. It was tough to give the goal away at the end, but they're a tough team. [Adam] Jahn got loose and found the ball and that's all they needed. I'm proud of my guys and I thought we managed certain parts very well."</p>
</blockquote>
<p><i>Thoughts of on physicality of the two games:</i></p>
<blockquote>
<p>"That's soccer, it's part of the game. San Jose ties that into their game. With balls bouncing around and bodies banging around, it's going to happen. Against San Jose you have to be up for what they will throw your way for 90 minutes."</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b><u>Timbers midfielder <span>Will Johnson</span></u></b><br><i>On games against San Jose:</i></p>
<blockquote>
<p>"They are what they are; you know what you're getting. We have taken what we have with the opportunities that came our way."</p>
</blockquote>
<p><i>On playing style:</i></p>
<blockquote>
<p>"I have my responsibility to get the guys on the field going. I feel that I can make that happen and we can find ways to get the three-points every game. We are still trying to grind out results and, of course, slowly but surely we keep getting things going."</p>
</blockquote>
<p><i>On team's performance:</i></p>
<blockquote>
<p>"I thought it was a great performance tonight by all. Of course, giving up the late goal is not the easiest thing to swallow. But, if we were down that goal and came back to tie, we would feel just as great as San Jose does. We have to take a step back now and realize it's still a point. Momentum wise, we will keep moving forward."</p>
</blockquote>
<p><i>Thoughts on physicality:</i></p>
<blockquote>
<p>"That's just how San Jose plays each and every week. I didn't think a lot of what happened last week was going to boil over tonight. It's just the nature of the game and when you play the same guys two games in a row, it's bound to get as physical as it did."</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b><u>Timbers goalkeeper <span>Donovan Ricketts</span></u></b><br><i>Thoughts on the two matches against San Jose:</i></p>
<blockquote>
<p>"I thought the two games were good. We played good football, but unfortunately, we didn't walk away with three-points [tonight]."</p>
</blockquote>
<p><i>On Adam Jahn's goal:</i></p>
<blockquote>
<p>"When you have long balls come into the box, anything can happen. He found a way to get free and look what happened. It's just part of the way this game works."</p>
</blockquote>
<p><i>On head coach Caleb Porter:</i></p>
<blockquote>
<p>"Caleb knows how to lead his team. He has come in here and treated us greatly and knows how to put together a winning team. Being with him has really gotten me to improve on my skills and to be the better player I always strived to be."</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b><u><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.centerlinesoccer.com/">San Jose Earthquakes</a> Quotes</u></b></p>
<p><u><b>Earthquakes head coach Frank Yallop</b></u><br><i>On game:</i></p>
<blockquote>
<p>"We had enough chances to win the game and I thought we deserved to win. It wasn't the prettiest game to be honest but we dug deep and got a point. That was important for us."</p>
</blockquote>
<p><i>On late goal:</i></p>
<blockquote>
<p>"For us not to score a goal in this game would not have been good with the quality of chances that we had. We had at least four good looks before the goal. Adam Jahn had another good finish and he is making me look good right now. He has done well for a young player. He didn't get in the past couple of games and tonight he proved again that he is a pretty good player."</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b><u>Earthquakes forward Adam Jahn</u></b><br><i>On stoppage time equalizer:</i></p>
<blockquote>
<p>"My teammates have the fitness and composure to fight until the end and I think that's what separates us from most teams. On that play, Nana [Attakora] got taken out and I thought it was a penalty, but the ref played on. The ball bounced my way and I opened my body like I was going far post, and then slotted it near post. The best part was it gave us a point here tonight."</p>
</blockquote>
<p><i>On second half adjustments:</i></p>
<blockquote>
<p>"The game was transitioning into us getting bodies in the box and that's one of my strengths; I enjoy fighting for balls in the air. When coach [Frank] Yallop subbed me on in the second half, he told me to wreak havoc in the box with [Steven] Lenhart. I think you saw that leading up to the equalizer."</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b><u>Defender <span>Steven Beitashour</span></u></b><br><i>On draw:</i></p>
<blockquote>
<p>"I feel they didn't really have any dangerous chances. On their goal, it was a lucky deflection that bounced straight to [Diego] Valeri. Bounces like that typically go our way, but when we play Portland it doesn't. You can't really explain it. I was so happy for Adam [Jahn] to come through in the clutch, again. The moment never seems to be too big for him."</p>
</blockquote>
<p><i>On returning from injury:</i></p>
<blockquote>
<p>"It felt great to get back out there. I made sure I had my fitness for tonight, my season debut. I was running off of excitement and adrenaline. I was tired toward the end, but I ended up finding my second wind because you want to make a play at any given moment in a match like this."</p>
</blockquote>
<h4>Stats</h4>
<p> </p>
<table id="stats-game">
<thead><tr>
<th>San Jose Earthquakes</th> <th></th> <th>Portland Timbers</th>
</tr></thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>12</td>
<td>Attempts on Goal</td>
<td>7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>5</td>
<td>Shots on Target</td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>6</td>
<td>Shots off Target</td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>Blocked Shots</td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>9</td>
<td>Corner Kicks</td>
<td>0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>13</td>
<td>Fouls</td>
<td>9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>19</td>
<td>Open Play Crosses</td>
<td>10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>Offsides</td>
<td>3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1</td>
<td>First Yellow Cards</td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>0</td>
<td>Second Yellow Cards</td>
<td>0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>0</td>
<td>Red Cards</td>
<td>0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>80</td>
<td>Duels Won</td>
<td>69</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>53%</td>
<td>Duels Won %</td>
<td>46%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>361</td>
<td>Total Pass</td>
<td>386</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>68%</td>
<td>Passing Accuracy %</td>
<td>73%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>49.1%</td>
<td>Possession</td>
<td>50.9%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h4>Chalk Talk</h4>
<p>In the first game Portland was able to shut down San Jose's favorite means of attack, namely the long ball. However in the second game Portland was unable to do so, which forced Portland to bunker and therefore led to more long balls and the late equalizer.</p>
<p><b>Headers</b></p>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/60787193@N06/8674939589/" title="San Jose Forwards by ryan.r.gates, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8254/8674939589_dbe86dc0b4_z.jpg" alt="San Jose Forwards" height="465" width="640"></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>The image on the left is from game one and the image on the right is from game two -- both depict the headers won by the San Jose forwards. While the number can be significant it doesn't necessarily mean San Jose was effective in their use. However, the position is what jumps out to me more. Most of the headers in the first match were won on the sides of the field; in the second game the headers occurred centrally.</p>
<p>By winning the headers more towards the center of the pitch San Jose forced Will Johnson and <span>Diego Chara</span> to track back and win the second ball or cover the runners on the flick. In the first game this was done by the outside backs and therefore left Johnson and Chara free to be higher up the pitch, pinning San Jose back in their own end.</p>
<p>To further illustrate the point, here are Portland's two CB's clearances for the two games:</p>
<p><a title="Portland Defenders by ryan.r.gates, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/60787193@N06/8676077130/"><img alt="Portland Defenders" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8406/8676077130_13c9318d66_z.jpg" height="468" width="640"></a></p>
<p>Again, the <a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/sites/all/modules/custom/mls_matchcenter/mls-gamematrix/index.php?omi=484830&seasonId=2013&competitionId=98&language=en&tag=1&reiter=g&efltblosd=JnBsYXllcnM9OTI0MzAsMTg1MSZmaWx0ZXJzPTI5JnRpbWU9MCw1OTk3MDAw" target="_blank">first game</a> is on the left and the <a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/sites/all/modules/custom/mls_matchcenter/mls-gamematrix/index.php?omi=484841&seasonId=2013&competitionId=98&language=en&tag=1&reiter=g&efltblosd=JnBsYXllcnM9OTI0MzAsMTg1MSZmaWx0ZXJzPTI5" target="_blank">second game</a> on the right. Like the images above, this too shows how deep Portland's CBs were forced. The purple (on the left) and dark red dots (on the right) are failed clearances. As you can see there are quite a few more failed clearances in the second game, and those failed clearances were more likely to occur inside the penalty area.</p>
https://www.stumptownfooty.com/2013/4/23/4257396/Portland-Timbers-San-Jose-Earthquakes-Quotes-StatsRyan Gates2013-04-22T15:04:16-07:002013-04-22T15:04:16-07:00Postscript: Tough Draw
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<img alt="Jon Busch successfully completed 21 passes, including the one to Lenhart that helped create the equalizer." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/jgaIXwDpksi7FUIJpYx6iP1h5tM=/38x176:3638x2576/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/11968727/20130421_kkt_st3_357.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jon Busch successfully completed 21 passes, including the one to Lenhart that helped create the equalizer. | USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Portland Timbers settled for just four points from two consecutive matches against the San Jose Earthquakes.</p> <h3>By the Numbers</h3>
<h4 align="center">50.7</h4>
<p align="center">The <a href="https://www.stumptownfooty.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Portland Timbers</a>' percent of possession on Sunday, their lowest of the year</p>
<h4 align="center">4</h4>
<p align="center">Number of Timbers starters who had fewer successful passes than <a href="https://www.centerlinesoccer.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">San Jose Earthquakes</a> keeper <span>Jon Busch</span></p>
<h4 align="center">32.1</h4>
<p align="center">Percent of Portland's corner-kicks-conceded total for 2013 that were conceded Sunday</p>
<h4 align="center">+11</h4>
<p align="center">The Timbers' shots/fouls-committed differential heading into Sunday's match</p>
<h4 align="center">-2</h4>
<p align="center">Portland's shots/fouls-committed differential on Sunday</p>
<h4 align="center">5,954</h4>
<p align="center">Amount by which Portland Thorns vs Seattle Reign attendance exceeded that of San Jose Earthquakes vs Portland Timbers</p>
<h3>Moment of the Match</h3>
<p>In the 76th minute, <span>Diego Valeri</span> was subbed off in favor of Kalif Alhassan. No offense to the man who replaced him, but the 76th minute was the moment San Jose decided to stop playing defense and put every available player in the attacking half. Losing the Timbers' most effective playmaker in the late stages of the game robbed them of the ability to keep possession away from their own goal.</p>
<p>From that point on, the Timbers only had occasional sorties into the other half of the field and conceded possession almost entirely to the Quakes. Aside from the occasional gaffe, the defense actually played as admirably as could be expected. In the end, it took San Jose four lucky bounces to get the ball to Adam Jahn's feet. But given how many times they were able to practice it, it was bound to happen eventually.</p>
<p>As user ledjom might put it, the Quakes' goal was not what one would normally call "repeatable." Sadly for fans of attractive soccer, the Quakes do it all the time.</p>
<h3>Injuries and Bookings</h3>
<p>Thankfully, in spite of all the chippiness and flopping about, the Timbers didn't lose anyone to injury on Sunday.</p>
<p><span>Futty Danso</span> did receive the third booking of his career, when, in spite of getting the ball while challenging <span>Steven Lenhart</span>, the referee gave him a yellow for scissoring him to the ground.</p>
<p>In addition, <span>Mikael Silvestre</span> did something off the ball that I didn't see, and I can't seem to find a replay of it. Apparently it was worthy of a card. That's his second of the season.</p>
<h3>Around the League</h3>
<h5>
<a href="https://www.burgundywave.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Colorado Rapids</a> 0:1 <a href="https://www.sounderatheart.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Seattle Sounders</a>
</h5>
<p>The Sounders finally got their first digit in the win column, but -- and I believe Seattle fans would agree -- the win should not put concerns about the Sounders to rest. Colorado lost this game far more than Seattle won it. The Rapids dominated possession and created more chances but were unable to convert any of them.</p>
<h5>
<a href="https://www.rslsoapbox.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Real Salt Lake</a> 1:0 <a href="https://delete.sbnprivate.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chivas USA</a>
</h5>
<p>Well, that didn't take long. Once near the top of the conference, Chivas USA has now lost two straight, and thanks to letting their frustration get the better of them at Rio Tinto, Chivas will see two of their players suspended next week against San Jose. It's a good bet they'll earn a few more bookings against the Quakes.</p>
<h5>
<a href="https://www.bigdsoccer.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">FC Dallas</a> 2:0 <a href="https://www.eightysixforever.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Vancouver Whitecaps</a>
</h5>
<p>I don't even know what to say about Dallas. It doesn't seem possible, but they are pulling away from the pack early, having dropped just four points in eight matches.</p>
https://www.stumptownfooty.com/2013/4/22/4251666/portland-timbers-postscript-san-jose-earthquakes-drawAndrew Wheeler2013-04-22T12:55:39-07:002013-04-22T12:55:39-07:00Man of the Match: Brick Wall
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/MqcCI3rk-zlnU8xFAU-22f1n5As=/520x448:3727x2586/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/11961939/20130421_kkt_st3_369.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>One week after the Portland Timbers 1-0 home win over the San Jose Earthquakes the two teams faced off again in a 1-1 draw at Buck Shaw Stadium. Who, though, was the Timbers' Man of the Match?</p> <p>With the midfield struggling at times against the Quakes' high pressure defense, the Timbers defense had to step up and were almost able to hold on to the clean sheet before getting undone in stoppage time. Who was the biggest roadblock against San Jose and who deserves to be the Timbers' Man of the Match?</p>
<p><i>Geoff:</i><b> Donovan Ricketts</b></p>
<blockquote>
<p>Easy choice for me tonight. Aside from the last minute goal (you can only ask so much of him), Ricketts was a brick wall tonight. I knew it was going to be a good night for him when he stopped Chris Wondolowski's shot in the first half with his hand. It's unfortunate his shut out streak has ended as he thoroughly deserved one tonight.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><i>Will: </i><b>Donovan Ricketts<br></b></p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<blockquote>
<p>Ricketts came up huge with his one on one save against Chris Wondolowski, but that was not his only contribution on the night as he put up three more saves (four according to the MLS Chalkboard) and generally commanded his box, keeping the defense organized despite the Timbers relative failure at holding possession as the game wore on.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><i>Ryan: </i><b>Donovan Ricketts</b></p>
<blockquote>
<p>I can't make an argument for anyone but Ricketts. His first save of the game looked routine but it was anything but. His second save was more than likely save of the week. His third save against Sam Garza was more due to the inability of Garza to get the ball out from under his feet than Rickett's own skills but it was his movement off of the line that caused Garza to panic. Without Ricketts Portland lose for the first time on the road, instead they are undefeated in the last 5 and on the road this year.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Andy: Donovan Ricketts</p>
<blockquote>
<p>First MOTM to a keeper in the Ricketts era for me, if I'm remembering right, and I must say that's a bad thing. I'd much prefer our boys to earn a point or three on the basis of dominant possession and staunch defending rather than the keeper's heroism. Like it or not, though, the Timbers owe Sunday's result to their netminder -- he was definitely the difference between a draw and a loss.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><i>Stacey: </i><b>Donovan Ricketts</b></p>
<blockquote>
<p>There were a number of times when Ricketts saved the Timbers as they looked ready to concede the first goal or give up a much earlier equalizer than they actually did. He made some huge saves, including one that was basically one on one with arguably the best goalscorer in MLS, and he was confident on crosses and corners against a team that is so good in the air. Without his outstanding performance, this game sure looks like a loss for Portland.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><i>There are our picks, but what are yours? Vote in the poll below and let us know why in the comments.</i></p>
https://www.stumptownfooty.com/2013/4/22/4251406/portland-timbers-man-of-the-match-the-brick-wallWilliam Conwell2013-04-22T08:00:04-07:002013-04-22T08:00:04-07:00Recap: Quakes Mosh Their Way to a Draw
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<p>The Portland Timbers and the San Jose Eartquakes battled each other to a standstill. Portland scored first but San Jose found the late equalizer after a lot of pressure. </p> <p>Last weekend the <a href="https://www.stumptownfooty.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Portland Timbers</a> had a physical battle with the San Jose Earthquakes; this weekend was no different. The <a href="https://www.centerlinesoccer.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">San Jose Earthquakes</a>, and Steven Lenhart in particular, took every opportunity to use intimidation and recklessness to influence the game. Portland kept their cool, but in the end they were unable to secure their first road win of the season, settling instead for the draw.</p>
<p>Just as everyone expected, San Jose came out with a lot of energy, and it nearly gave them an early goal. In the second minute, <span>Donovan Ricketts</span> made an amazing kick save on a deceptively quick shot by <span>Steven Lenhart</span>. After dodging the early bullet, Portland weathered the storm and were able to take the sting out of the game with some good old possession.</p>
<p>But the Timbers were not controlling the game to the degree fans saw in their previous two matches, allowing the Quakes to create dangerous chances. In the 22nd minute <span>Chris Wondolowski</span> was through on goal, but his shot from point blank range was palmed the ball over the goal by the mighty Ricketts for a Save of the Week candidate.</p>
<p>The Timbers got their act together as the first half progressed, but San Jose continued to disrupt Portland's passing, forcing the defenders to play long balls forward. Neither team was able to create any more scoring opportunities for the rest of the half.</p>
<h4>Second Half</h4>
<p>The second half started like the end of the first half ended, with a lot of play in the middle third and no goal scoring opportunities. Both teams were able to get close to the penalty area, but neither could find the final pass. <span>Shea Salinas</span> was able to create the first chance of the half in the 56th minute after he blew by <span>Michael Harrington</span>, but <span>Mikael Silvestre</span> blocked his cross and snuffed out the chance.</p>
<p>Portland was finally able to break through in the 58th minute, thanks to some quality passing, good follow-through, and a little bit of luck.</p>
<p><span>Diego Chara </span>received a pass from Harrington on the wing and played forward to Diego Valeri, who flicked the ball over to Darlington Nagbe. Nagbe played <span>Ryan Johnson</span> behind the defense at the top of the box, but before he could do anything with it, <span>Steven Beitashour</span> recovered and slide tackled him, sending Johnson and the ball sprawling. As keeper <span>Jon Busch</span> raced off his line to try to pick up the loose ball, it fell right into the path of <span>Diego Valeri</span>, who one-timed it under the charging keeper and into the back of the net.</p>
<p>After the goal, San Jose seemed to turn on a switch. Portland did not match San Jose's energy, and the final 30 minutes brought the Quakes ever closer to an equalizer. Portland continually ceded more and more momentum, position, and possession to San Jose as the game wore on.</p>
<p>With the Timbers on their heels, the pressure continued to mount. San Jose's first opportunity came in the 73rd minute, when Harrington passed a square ball right to substitute <span>Sam Garza</span>, playing in just his 10th MLS match. Through on goal, Garza only had Ricketts to beat, but the ball got caught in the spokes. Ricketts was able to pounce on the ball and extinguish the danger.</p>
<p>The inevitable goal came in the 92nd minute, starting with a long ball from Busch. Lenhart was able to rise and flick the ball into what Caleb Porter called the "mosh pit," where it was knocked around by at least three Quakes players before falling in front of rookie Adam Jahn, who pounded it in, sending San Jose's amateurish announcers into raptures.</p>
<h4>Observations</h4>
<ul>
<li>Portland earned their third result on the road after three games (last year it took 11 road games to get 3 road points).</li>
<li>The Timbers have San Jose on their schedule just one more time. Until then it'll be up to the rest of the league to put them in their place.</li>
<li>I absolutely loved <span>Jimmy Conrad</span> -- his insights were great and he had some hilarious comments too.</li>
<li>John Strong, on the other hand, is on our list -- did he really have to point out that the Timbers had shut out their opponents in the final 30 minutes of every match they'd played previously? (I'm kidding around, of course.)</li>
<li>Two games and twice Portland has shut down Chris Wondolowski (He only recorded 3 total shots and 1 on goal this game)</li>
<li>The Ultras finally got off their weirdly misguided Merritt Paulson / Timbers Army sheep motif, displaying a banner reading, "If you played in heaven, we would die to support you." Hmmmm...</li>
<li>Great Sunday for Portland Footy Fans. We really showed why Portland is Soccer City USA. </li>
</ul>
https://www.stumptownfooty.com/2013/4/22/4251400/recap-portland-timbers-battle-the-san-jose-earthquakesRyan Gates2013-04-21T17:00:05-07:002013-04-21T17:00:05-07:00Timbers @ Earthquakes Match Thread
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<p>The Portland Timbers take on the San Jose Earthquakes once again, only this time on the road.</p> <p>Tonight the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.stumptownfooty.com/">Portland Timbers</a> will take on the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.centerlinesoccer.com/">San Jose Earthquakes</a> once again. I would like to say that it will be a pretty game. That the Timbers will, once again, play a high possession, high passing game that ultimately leads to plenty of goals, but it will probably be a slug-fest of a match. Make no mistake, San Jose will play physically and they will be trying to knock around our guys, especially if they feel the Timbers are out-performing them.</p>
<p>The good news is that, more so than any other time in Timbers' MLS history, this feels like a team that is able to win confidently on the road. It might not be pretty, but I firmly believe they can pull it off tonight.</p>
<p>Here are the details you need for tonight's match.</p>
<h3>General Information</h3>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Watch it on: </b>ROOT SPORTS</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Kick off: </b>8:00pm at Buck Shaw Stadium, San Jose.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>San Jose Earthquakes: </b>8 points in the Western Conference.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><b>Portland Timbers: </b>9 points in the Western Conference.</p>
<h3>Starting Line Ups</h3>
<p><b>Portland Timbers: </b>Coming soon!</p>
<p><b>San Jose Earthquakes: </b>Coming soon!</p>
<h3>Final Thoughts</h3>
<p>The Timbers are still in good shape for the season. 9 points out of 6 games isn't a terrible way to start off the season. In fact, compared to other teams, it's pretty good. If they can pull off 6 of a possible 9 points from San Jose tonight it would go a long way toward a successful season. Of course, there's also the fact that San Jose has yet to beat the Timbers, something I certainly wouldn't mind sticking beyond tonight.</p>
https://www.stumptownfooty.com/2013/4/21/4250464/portland-timbers-san-jose-earthquakes-match-thread-8-00-pmGeoff Gibson2013-04-20T12:15:04-07:002013-04-20T12:15:04-07:00Timbers @ Earthquakes Prediction Thread
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<p>Last week the Timbers came out with a 1-nil win over the Earthquakes, but can they repeat the effort tomorrow night? </p> <p>Welcome back to another prediction thread! This might seem a little déjà vu, but rest assured you are indeed in a fresh prediction thread. It just so happens that the <a href="https://www.stumptownfooty.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Portland Timbers</a> are playing the <a href="https://www.centerlinesoccer.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">San Jose Earthquakes</a> once again. Something I'm sure you already knew.</p>
<p>In any case, last week saw a bunch of you attempt predictions and it appears a few of you got pretty dang close. Here they are:</p>
<ol>
<li>Howry: 1 - 0 with <span>Darlington Nagbe</span> scoring in the 82nd minute</li>
<li>NoPoFuzz: 1 - 0 with Darlington Nagbe scoring in the 42nd minute</li>
<li>straight red: 1 - 0 with <span>Rodney Wallace</span> scoring in the first half.</li>
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<p>Hats off to all three of you for making such astute predictions. Howry was clearly the closest in score and time, though he called Nagbe instead of <span>Will Johnson</span>.</p>
<p>Turning to tomorrow's game, we are once again looking for your predictions. Remember that <span>Caleb Porter</span> will likely use a different line up with <span>Diego Valeri</span> is expected to be back in the starting line up. The San Jose Earthquakes will also likely have a few key players back in their line up as well. Much has changed from last weekend. Finally, it's a road game... Adjust your predictions to account for these things.</p>
<p>Here's what we want:</p>
<ul>
<li>Game score.</li>
<li>Who scored those goals?</li>
<li>Which half?</li>
</ul>
<p><i>What is your prediction for tomorrow night's match?</i></p>
<p><b>P.S. </b>Does anybody know the guy in the picture? There's like three of him in my photo editor. It was taken at last week's game.</p>
https://www.stumptownfooty.com/2013/4/20/4246474/portland-timbers-san-jose-earthquakes-prediction-threadGeoff Gibson2013-04-20T10:00:03-07:002013-04-20T10:00:03-07:00Quakes Rematch Will Test Porter
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<p>Porter's first rematch as the Portland Timbers' head coach will be yet another important test for him in his young career. The possible return of a number of the Quakes' key players will add complexity to that challenge.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.stumptownfooty.com/">Portland Timbers</a> faced a somewhat depleted <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.centerlinesoccer.com/">San Jose Earthquakes</a> side last Sunday, as they were missing key players <span>Steven Beitashour</span>, <span>Shea Salinas</span>, and <span>Marvin Chavez</span>. Though I would consider Chavez to be a long shot to start, all three could well be back in the lineup on Sunday.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.stumptownfooty.com/2013/4/19/4240654/san-jose-earthquakes-without-alan-gordon-portland-challenges" target="_blank">As Stacey pointed out on Friday</a>, San Jose was already going to have a different look tomorrow with the suspension of <span>Alan Gordon</span>. With <span>Chris Wondolowski</span> back up top next to <span>Steven Lenhart</span>, Portland's center backs are going to face a different sort of challenge from what they faced last Sunday.</p>
<p>The Quakes' wings may present an even bigger challenge.</p>
<p>Wondolowski played a pretty dreadful game last week paired with <span>Dan Gargan</span> on the right wing, attempting just 23 passes the entire match, completing 14. Those numbers would have been okay if he were playing as a striker, but for a midfielder that's just terrible. <span>Ramiro Corrales</span> and <span>Justin Morrow</span> did a bit better, but Corrales tended toward the center of the field, giving <span>Jack Jewsbury</span> an easier night than he'd had against Houston.</p>
<p>As a result, San Jose's possession was pushed towards the middle of the field, where <span>Diego Chara</span> and <span>Will Johnson</span> waited to cut out passes and recover possession. Without quality crosses constantly coming in from the wings (they were limited to just 12 crosses, to the Timbers' 25), Lenhart and Gordon were denied repeated opportunities to jostle with Portland's CBs.</p>
<p>Their frustration ballooned as the match progressed, finally popping in the form of an ejection and a bad foul in a dangerous position.</p>
<p>Now, replace Corrales and Gargan with Shea Salinas and Steven Beitashour, and suddenly you've got a much more balanced Earthquake attack. If Chavez is somehow also able to crack the starting lineup and make his first appearance of 2013, it's a whole new ballgame.</p>
<h3>Portland's response</h3>
<p><span>Caleb Porter</span> has proven to be adept at adjusting his lineup to respond to challenges presented by the opposition. It's one important reason the Timbers' second half performances have so significantly surpassed their first-halves.</p>
<p>He showcased his in-game coaching ability against <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dynamotheory.com/">Houston Dynamo</a> coach <span>Dominic Kinnear</span> two weeks ago -- he'll need to do even better against another veteran coach Frank Yallop on Sunday.</p>
<p>Porter should treat Sunday's match just like every other second half effort this season -- it's an opportunity to change tactics and personnel in response to what he has already seen of the opponent, and what adjustments he expects his opponent to make. Fortunately, he will likely have a key personnel change of his own to throw at the opposition, with <span>Diego Valeri</span> likely returning to the lineup.</p>
<p>Obviously, Valeri should start if he's ready (he believes he is). His presence in midfield is desperately needed to connect with <span>Ryan Johnson</span> on his runs behind the Quakes' defense. <span>Darlington Nagbe</span> and <span>Kalif Alhassan</span> did well with that task in the second half of the Houston match, but against San Jose they were less successful. Valeri's vision and creativity will provide more consistent results.</p>
<p>If Steven Beitashour returns to the lineup, his presence may force <span>Rodney Wallace</span> to focus on defending him more, pinning him lower on the pitch and more firmly on the wing, and removing him somewhat from the attack. Wallace ended up playing similarly against Dan Gargan last week, more as a midfield winger than as a striker -- Beitashour will give him even more trouble.</p>
<p>With Wallace pinned to his side, it will be up to Diego Chara to provide width in the other direction and make the runs out of the midfield that have already earned him two assists in 2013 (as compared to his 0 in 2012). Nagbe should return to the striker role, just as he did in the second half against Houston, to create havoc in the space between the Quakes' lines and give Ryan Johnson a little more freedom up top.</p>
<p>Of course, at the foundation of it all is the quick one-touch passing and smart movements that have been a hallmarks of Porterball. If they are up to the challenge, and if Valeri is truly ready to return, Timbers fans should see their team create more chances than they saw at Jeld-Wen Field last week.</p>
<p>Whether the players will actually be able to finish those chances is another question altogether. Good thing Porter gets another halftime to make adjustments.</p>
https://www.stumptownfooty.com/2013/4/20/4243324/san-jose-earthquakes-portland-timbers-test-caleb-porterAndrew Wheeler