The Portland Timbers head into the MLS Cup Playoffs seeking to emulate their achievement of 2015.
Two-time finalists and one-time champions, Portland are continually risky right now of 12 months and although they're a little suspect defensively, they have one of the most powerful offenses in MLS.
Here's the whole thing you want to recognise approximately the Portland Timbers ahead of the post season - from approaches to key gamers, and their possibilities of winning the large prize.
The Timbers have been a touch inconsistent this season, best putting together one extreme unbeaten streak - eight video games (seven wins) from the cease of August to the start of October. They even persisted a three-sport losing streak near the give up.
But 3 consecutive wins to close out the regular season ensured Portland completed fourth within the West, which means they'll host Minnesota United in Round One. The Timbers conceded 52 dreams in 34 games, but additionally scored fifty six. So, at least, they ought to provide us masses of amusement.
Every unmarried 12 months, Giovanni Savarese attempts to make his Timbers facet more expansive in the center of the season. And every unmarried time, it begins to disintegrate before he remembers they're at their excellent soaking up strain and hitting teams in transition. Portland have the talent to win Supporters' Shield, if best they'd keep on with their weapons.
With that out of the manner, expect Savarese to install a 4-2-3-1 gadget. Jose Van Rankin and Claudio Bravo will provide attacking thrust from complete-again wherein possible, however are normally stoppers either facet of Larrys Mabiala and Dario Zuparic. Diego Chara has long been the fine No.6 in MLS and even as he's advancing well into his 30s, he's still frustratingly powerful (from the opponent's angle). Cristhian Paredes is a little more expansive alongside him.
But its' inside the very last 1/3 wherein it without a doubt receives fun with Portland. Sebastian Blanco remains an MVP degree No.10, capable of cut up a defense with precise passing, go away combatants in the dirt with his dribbling, or rip one into the top corner from distance. Yimmi Chara and Dairon Asprilla will appearance to reduce inside to get shots on aim - the latter is specially lethal in Playoff season. And Felipe Mora has added a brand new dimension to Portland's ahead line - he's deadly in front of aim, strong in the air, and highly critical at keeping the ball up.
Sebastian Blanco: With 4 desires and six assists in 13 games and the Player of the Tournament award at MLS is Back within the bag, Sebastian Blanco regarded a certain guess to win the MVP award final season. That changed into till an ACL injury positioned him out of movement from September till June this yr - his 2nd such harm at some point of his career. But it's safe to say Blanco is back. In just 1,184 everyday season minutes, the Argentine notched seven dreams and six assists, averaging 2.1 probabilities created and 1.Eight a hit dribbles consistent with ninety minutes. Blanco is rolling heading into the Playoffs, that's just exceptional for the Timbers.
Diego Chara: At 35 years old, you'd expect Diego Chara to begin slowing down. And yet, the Colombian ranked top amongst Timbers gamers for pressures (716), and 2nd for recoveries (218), tackles (eighty three), and blocks (fifty two). Chara stays the central piece round which this Timbers group operates, breaking up competition attacks and distributing the ball quick to initiate transitions. In the Playoff melting pot, his enjoy should make all the difference.
