Gutted… in more ways than one!
A game of emotional highs and lows this past weekend – and I’d offer that ride gutted Caleb and his staff.
Rarely have I seen Caleb offer less emotion than he did in his quick post-game conference… (here).
Just a whole lot that went on with that game… too much in some cases, and it will be a hard slog to regain the confidence this team needs to carry on.
In as much as I’d like to walk through this game with you all I won’t… too many things went pear-shaped and most know what they are.
But Caleb has proven he’s a leader so first things first I’m sure he’ll dig right in and take the challenge (head on) on how this team prepares to right the ship for San Jose.
I hope so – I’d hate to see this season end without the Timbers making the playoffs!
In terms of getting things ready…
There’s gaps to be sure – but there’s opportunity as well.
Sometimes when a couple of good players go missing it provides a great impetus for others to step up and lead; for me that’s a positive to build from in preparation for San Jose.
What we already know is the defense needs to get better – we also know Diego Valeri has great vision – well it’s time for others like Darlington Nagbe to step up and show whether his playing with Valeri has increased his vision and leadership…
In terms of the attacking strategy of San Jose – like Toronto – they play direct and will pump in crosses – especially on set-pieces.
I personally think the aerial defending on crosses will need to be ‘superb’ this game – if that means starting Norberto Paparatto so be it!
With respect to the midfielders – all of them – you simply can’t watch the back four defend – they need to be part of the solution – not part of the problem…
Getting behind the ball against San Jose will be hard because they play longer passes – but it has to be done!
No excuses – it’s time for the Timbers to show real character and take three points when others might think it’s a bridge too far.
I don’t think it’s impossible; I think they can win but they aren’t going to win if they keep conceding goals!
All for me for now… if you wanted my thoughts about the game then the opinions I offered in my tweets haven’t changed…
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.