Game 11: Miami FC Blues v. Portland Timbers

2010 Match-Up Images Courtesy of Spacewalk Creative

A nil-nil draw away to Austin Aztex on Wednesday brought the Timbers a point for the second game in a row. Portland will try to extend that run to three games unbeaten with a full three points as the goal. Miami have won only once this season but have managed seven draws through the first third of the year. Yet the Timbers have shown very little aptitude for winning games over the past six weeks, so a draw is perhaps in the works from South Florida on Saturday night.

The Timbers lightened their load up front by releasing Nigerian forward OJ Obatola this week by mutual consent. The reasons are unclear at this time but the move does little to clarify the revolving door in attack for Portland. Bright Dike has performed well in his recent starts while George Josten rung the crossbar in the Timbers best chance at Austin mid-week. Yet Mandjou Keita continues to be given a starting role, despite his abject play.

In defense the Timbers are rounding into shape quite nicely with a healthy and solid rotation. Futty Danso’s return from injury combined with the new-found rock in Ross Smith make Portland an even better side at the back. Eight goals allowed in ten games is a fantastic run, though goals in three of the past five games have cost the Timbers points. Clearly the timing of goals is the problem for Portland, which suggests that the rotation of defenders should include substitutions within games, particularly late on, and not just changes in the starting XI.

Miami are a club that the Timbers should be able to beat, at least on paper. Yet for some reason Portland have been unable to close out games or capitalize on the myriad chances created from the run of play. Perhaps this will finally be the game where Portland regain the ability to score. Or perhaps another draw will push this season into a footnote on the way to MLS.

Category: Portland Timbers, USSF Division II