Game 4: Portland Timbers v Chicago Fire

By: mao | April 14th, 2011

The long-awaited home opener for Portland Timbers comes tonight against Chicago Fire at Jeld-Wen Field. Portland are of course looking for an initial victory while the Fire have won one, drawn one and lost one in their three matches this season. While the rain will make some adjustments necessary for both teams there are several important factors that will determine the outcome of tonight’s tie.

There are three clear keys to success for the Timbers tonight: First, take the lead or at least keep from giving up a goal in the first half; Second, take advantage of the vast spaces between Chicago’s midfield and defensive bands; and Third, flood the defensive third to prohibit movement by the Fire’s dynamic South Americans. Taking each point individually: The Timbers have been the architects of their own demise so far this season. Five of the six goals allowed have come in the first half-hour, forcing John Spencer to change his game planning and requiring the Timbers to chase goals. It is also well established that those who score first in MLS don’t lose. If Portland can finally find a way to keep from giving up an early goal, as they did against Chivas USA in the US Open Cup, it’s very possible that the full three points are available. Those three points will be mostly likely earned by demonstrating an ability to retain possession, particularly in the attacking third of the field. If Chicago use three backs, as is the expectation, and their five midfielders push forward as they did against Seattle last weekend, acres of space will be available for the likes of Darlington Nagbe, Jack Jewsbury, Jeremy Hall and Kenny Cooper, when he drops deeper. When those opportunities arise, Portland needs to get shots on goal. They don’t all need to go in but Chicago’s young goalkeeper, Sean Johnson, should be tested early and often. Finally, when forwards Gastón Puerari and Diego Cháves combine with Marco Pappa, Chicago present a formidable attack. James Marcelin will need to start, as he did against New England, as a stopper in the defensive midfield. If Marcelin can provide a line of defense before the South Americans can get too deep into the Timbers’ back line, Portland will have a much better chance at slowing what was a dynamic attack against Seattle. Kasey Keller was the only reason Chicago did not win that game 5-2. Jake Gleeson will need to have a great game but the Portland defense will need to be better than Seattle’s was last weekend.