Portland Timbers Defeat Chivas USA 2 – nil

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Many different players last night got a look-in with the short amount of time between games this week.

All told, considering the very negative style that Chivas USA brought to the game, I’d say the Timbers did well, remarkably well, and Fenando Adi bagged a brace to boot… Well done Adi!

In considering the flow of the game – what little flow manifested itself came in the second half after the insertion of Darlington Nagbe; again proving why he is simply just a very good player.

I wonder, after the dust settles from the World Cup this summer, might we see Darlington work towards US Citizenship – I can see him adding great value in the Midfield for our Country.

But back to the game – here’s what the Timbers Press release offered up for quotes by Caleb, Fenando and Jorge. 

There’s some good grist in Caleb’s words here; patience and space – really critical this game!

Portland Timbers head coach Caleb Porter
On effective squad rotation and result:
“I think it says a lot about our depth. It’s important in this league, it’s a long season. Now that we have to manage Champions League, obviously we have Open Cup coming up, you’re going to have injuries. So it’s great to know that when we rotate our team, that we can get the same high level in terms of performance. I thought it was a very professional performance. I thought over the course of the two games, played nearly 20 guys, I don’t even know the exact number, but I thought every single guy put a shift in. That’s great, we’re going to need that to win games moving forward.”

On the two goals:
“I thought we were very patient today. Chivas did a nice job at staying organized. We had a lot of the ball. First half didn’t create a ton of chances, but I was pleased with our control of the game. And I knew because we wore them down quite a bit in that first half, that eventually we’d find the breakthrough. As the second half started to unwind, we found more and more space because they were at home and they were looking at getting more numbers forward. The first goal we talked about Jorge [Villafaña] getting forward at halftime and whipping in some early balls behind their back line and that was exactly how we scored the first goal. Adi made a great run in the box, positioned himself well. Then on the second goal, [Diego] Valeri slipped in a great ball behind and Adi made a good play on a breakaway.”

On their last two games and next match against Vancouver Whitecaps FC:
“The plan was all along to play a group in New York, turn around, play pretty much a different group, obviously we overlapped a few guys, which means now we come back to Vancouver with fresh options even though we’ve just played two games in five days. Again, I think this week we showed no matter what we’re up against, we’ve got guys that can step in to do a job. We’re looking forward to Vancouver, we know with a win there we can jump them in the table. And with our fans behind us, the boys will be flying.”

Adi’s post game interview showed he not only knows how to retain his cool in the box. he also knows and understands what playing a center forward is all about – wow!  Superb pick-up and hope his great performances continue.

Portland Timbers forward Fanendo Adi
Thoughts on the two goals:
“It’s an amazing feeling. As a striker you come into the game believing that you can be able to help the team in the way of getting goals and that’s just what happened. Not credit just to me but credit to the whole team. Without the guys who kick the ball I couldn’t put the ball in the net. It’s credit to everyone.”

Thoughts on contributing to the team quickly:
“It means a lot, that’s what I am here for. I’m just here to contribute as much as I can to the team. It’s all about the team, not about an individual player. My work is to come in at any time I’m given the opportunity and help the team. I think we had a great game.”

Feelings after scoring the first goal:
“It’s amazing, of course. I came into the game to help the team that I was looking forward to getting a goal. The first goal really changed a lot for us as well. It created a lot of space for us for the second goal, not just for me but for the whole team.”

Jorge Villafana just simply continues to add value – the back-four had some troubles last night on a few occasions but that was more (in my view) down to communication and learning to play together.

Portland Timbers defender Jorge Villafaña
Describing his assist:
“A play that always starts on the other side and it gives the back player, the defender, to get on the attack and I went in a good position to make a cross and Adi was there and he just finished it.”

Thoughts on Portland’s first shutout win:
“I think the work that we put in everyday, we’ve been improving, we showed it in New York. We won that game too and we come here and we work as always and we get the three points and a clean sheet”

Thoughts on back-to-back road wins:
“It means a lot. It gives us confidence and we just have to work hard and it’s going to a new direction and it’s going to be better”

Thoughts on Chivas’ approach in the match:
“We were preparing for Chivas, we know it’s a good team. We were preparing like other teams. It’s an important game and we came and we work and we got the three points.”

Thoughts on playing against his former team:
“Yeah it’s a bit special. I have a lot of love for the club and you always want to do your best in each and every game but most where you came up. I’m happy because we won and because we have the three points.”

Thoughts on proving himself:
“I always like to work hard and do everything I can to help the team and tonight I helped the team with an assist and I’m really happy that things are going good for me and for the team.”

In closing…

At times the passing accuracy was a bit off – the pitch looked good and I think it was more down to the players not quite gelling straight away as a unit… as time passed and space became available the accuracy appeared to get better.

By the way – that is two very solid games by Jorge Villafana, and as I tweeted in the New York game as well as this one – Jorge adds value to this team – and in his very short span of minutes this year as proved he can provide wicked good crosses while also adding some pace to the left side.

I’d imagine with the short turn-around the primary focus will be a game plan and more practice in passing and shooting.

All for now, best.  Chris