What to Watch for tonight (Timbers vs Colorado) 7:30 PM Kickoff

What’s next for PTFC? Three very good games on the trot and continued progression in pushing the ball through the top and sides of the 18 yard box as well as down the wings.

I don’t see Colorado playing quite as negatively as the White Caps so this could be a very tough match.

Diego Chara returns to midfield and we should probably see the same formation and continued system of short balls and midfield command (or the attempt at it) against Colorado.

My what to watch for tonight will cover:

1. The continued development of working to penetrate along the top of the 18 as well as down the wings.

2. I don’t anticipate we will see extensive ‘overlapping from our fullbacks’ but on occasion look for Smith (if the back – four remains stable) to take an off-chance or two to slide down the wing with Franck Songo’o. When this occurs be on the look out for Kimura or someone else sliding in on the back post.

3. Set-pieces – if Colorado does play negative ball then look for corners or free kicks atop and outside the 18 as a way for PTFC to continue their goal scoring run.

4. Boyd; where or where is Kris Boyd? With nearly 1/3 of the team’s budget invested in a striker like Kris it will be interesting to see if or when he gets used tonight; early indications are that Bright Dike will again start at forward. If this run continues for Dike PTFC may be working very hard to help Kris find a new home where his skills can be put to good use. It’s only right; he’s a class player with loads of pedigree.

5. Finally, as always, the back-four (high, tight and flat) I won’t offer that the Rapids are a going scoring machine but Lorentowitz can control a game pretty well from midfield. So being aware of through balls or ‘switches’ from deep in the midfield is critical in keeping our shape.

Here’s hoping we see PTFC continue this strong run.