United they stand – Alpha they fall
In case you missed it – and wasn’t the audio and video crap – Portland Timbers traveled down south; way south and took 3 points with a +3 Goal Differential in their first ever CONCACAF Champions League match…
Their opponent – Alpha United… I’m not sure about their league or their historical pedigree but the Timbers side last night would most likely have beaten the MLS Timbers side under John Spencer.
They battled hard on a hard ground where most of the play was limited to the non-cricket bowling area – in case you didn’t know – Cricket grounds/pitches have a tendency on being extremely hard so the bowlers can bounce their toss to put the batter off.
In this game, in this instance, the Cricket pitch even put Alpha United off.
After perhaps 10 minutes I don’t recall seeing Portland make any notable, consecutive, ground-based passes in that area.
As for FoxSoccer2Go – well – to say the least I have already cancelled my seven day free trial – here’s hoping the Timbers stream their other games live on their web-site…
In terms of the game – the ground-based passing game was the critical piece to success last night; as was the patience in possession with purpose.
No real statistics to speak of and we really don’t need them for this one – their were four players who scored and four goals…
Steve Zakuani opened the scoring, with Maxi Urruti next and then a superb, stunning, perfickly placed free kick by #13 of Alpha United just prior to half-time.
In the second half Fenando Adi netted one as did Alvas Powell – a simple side-footed pass to the back of the net (like his last effort that didn’t go in) after Taylor Peay made an appearance in his rookie season.
There was a bit of chatter as the 2nd half started and those responding all agreed that if a rookie would get called to play last night it would be Peay… well done son!
As for this weekend – it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know who’s coming to town… it’ll be a crucial game where three points is a must…
All for now and see you this next Sunday at the stadium.
Best, Chris
Chris Gluck
I have been covering the Portland Timbers and Major League Soccer, as a community blogger/analyst for the Columbian Newspaper, since June, 2012. Since then my involvement in soccer analysis has expanded to include participating in the Regional Emmy Award Winning Soccer City PDX TV Show (Comcast Sports Northwest). My unique analytical approach has been published in Europe and presented at the World Conference on Science and Soccer 2014. I also appear regularly as a co-host on Rose City Soccer Show and the Yellowcarded Podcast. You can find my work on PossessionwithPurpose.com, PTFC Collective and Prost Amerika.