After losing the MLS Cup in heartbreaking style last season, the Portland Timbers are trying to cross one better in 2022.
Giovanni Savarese's aspect are one of the most dependable in MLS, usually in contention for main honors and battling at the pinnacle of the Western Conference.
But the percent is asking sturdy this 12 months and the Timbers will have to up their degree even in addition preserve their fulfillment.
So, right here's the entirety you want to recognise approximately the Portland Timbers beforehand of the brand new MLS season, which includes approaches, key gamers, and predictions.
The Timbers were a touch inconsistent all through the 2021 ordinary-season, handiest putting together one critical unbeaten streak - 8 games (seven wins) from the cease of August to the begin of October. They even continued a three-game dropping streak close to the stop.
But 3 consecutive wins to close things out ensured Portland completed fourth within the West, conceding 52 dreams in 34 games but additionally scoring 56. They have been hella fun!
In the Playoffs, the Timbers cruised past Minnesota United 3-1 at domestic, earlier than beating the Colorado Rapids 1-zero far from home in Major League Soccer's first-ever Thanksgiving suit. A ordinary 2-0 win over Real Salt Lake meant they would host MLS Cup, which ended in penalty shootout heartache towards NYCFC.
But notwithstanding the ache, 2021 must be regarded as a huge success in Portland.
Every unmarried yr, Giovanni Savarese attempts to make his Timbers aspect extra expansive within the middle of the season. And each single time, it starts to fall apart earlier than he recollects they're at their excellent soaking up strain and hitting groups in transition. Portland have the talent to win Supporters' Shield, if simplest they'd keep on with their guns.
With that out of the way, count on Savarese to again set up a four-2-3-1 machine. Jose Van Rankin and Claudio Bravo will offer attacking thrust from full-returned where viable, but are mostly stoppers both side of Larrys Mabiala and Dario Zuparic. Diego Chara has long been the fine No.6 in MLS and whilst he's advancing nicely into his 30s, he's nevertheless frustratingly effective (from the opponent's attitude). Still, with Eryk Williamson returning to health and David Ayala approaching board, count on the Colombian's minutes to be controlled.
