We're right down to the final two; Portland Timbers vs New York City FC for the proper to raise MLS Cup.
There were super moments, strokes of luck, and dominant performances along the manner. But to attain this degree, you certainly do need to be the first-rate of the exceptional in Major League Soccer.
The Timbers' domestic advantage aside, that is an nearly not possible in shape-up to call. Both teams have firepower and protecting monsters. And each have some of the biggest distinction-makers in MLS proper now.
With that in thoughts, we could mash them together in a combined XI? A quick notice before we begin, only healthful gamers will be selected, so you gained't see the likes of Anton Tinnerholm, Eryk Williamson, and Keaton Parks.
Sean Johnson (GK) - In a statistical feel, Steve Clark has shaded Sean Johnson this season. But the USMNT goalkeeper nevertheless comes up within the large moments for NYCFC and has made some big saves in those Playoffs. Plus, given absolutely the wealth of experience he gives - such as over three hundred senior membership appearances and three spots at a success Gold Cup campaigns - he's the guy you'd accept as true with in a large final. Josecarlos Van Rankin (RB) - Though he wasn't an excessive amount of of a hazard inside the final third, Van Rankin became rock-stable thru most of 2021. The Argentine ranked 1/3 amongst Timbers players for combined tackles and interceptions (one hundred twenty), and recoveries (199). Shoutout is going to Tayvon Gray, who crammed in brilliantly for Anton Tinnerholm and appears a extreme expertise. Alexander Callens (CB) - There will be those screaming about Callens' personal intention in the Eastern Conference final, but come on. He had to do something. Other than that, he's been super in those Playoffs and is arguably one of the great center-backs in MLS on his day. Dario Zuparic (CB) - He's a bit old fashioned and no-nonsense, however Dario Zuparic has were given the process performed at some stage in the Playoffs. In fact, through the 2021 season, the Croatian is first among Portland players for clearances (136) and 2d for aerial duels gained (fifty six). Claudio Bravo (LB) - NYCFC have a couple of top left-backs, but neither held down their spot, so, input Claudio Bravo. Like Van Rankin, Bravo helped lock down the flanks for Giovanni Savarese, giving the Timbers extensive-guys extra freedom to wreak havoc.
Diego Chara (DM) - He might be 35-years-old, however you'd still do well to find a higher protective midfielder than Diego Chara in MLS. The Colombian has implemented 717 pressures to the competition this season, at least 227 more than any of his teammates. He's also 2d for tackles (eighty three) and interceptions (55). But Chara isn't just your strange hatchetman. He's additionally a supremely capable provider and passer of the ball, turning over possession and springing counter-assaults within the blink of an eye fixed. James Sands (DM) - The more 2021 has long past, the higher James Sands has looked. NYCFC's first-ever homegrown is remarkably calm in possession, able to preserve his cool and play out of the maximum intense competition stress. His versatility in being capable of play middle-lower back makes him a supervisor's dream, too.
Yimmi Chara (RW) - The more youthful Chara brother has six goals and 5 number one assists to his call this season, however his have an effect on is going far past that. He's dynamic on the dribble and extraordinarily direct. And, as we've visible at some point of the Playoffs, he in no way, ever appears to get tired. Priceless right now of 12 months. Maxi Moralez (CAM) - Any belief of Maxi Moralez regressing in his latter years were swept away in 2021. The diminutive Argentine has been at his creative pleasant this season, laying on 12 primary assists - only Djordje Mihailovic and Carles Gil managed more (each 14) - and putting in place 87 possibilities, setting him fifth inside the entire league. Give Moralez area and he's going to punish you to the nth diploma. Sebastian Blanco (LW) - Okay, so Sebastian Blanco doesn't have the electrical pace to be a winger. Fine. Just allow him drift inside to combine with Moralez. How terrifying does that sound? Like Moralez for NYCFC, Blanco has been key for the Timbers this season with nine goals and 6 assists in just 1,324 minutes. His brace against Minnesota United in Round One certainly ignited Portland's MLS Cup bid. One of the very fine in the league.
Taty Castellanos (ST) - There's best one guy for this task. The 2021 MLS Golden Boot winner, Castellanos has 21 dreams to his name so far (and 8 number one assists for top measure). Even throughout a number of his irritating, wasteful durations in the course of mid-season, his keep-up play and motion had been so crucial to his teammates. Castellanos performed a large function in putting in place NYCFC's tie with the Union, scoring in opposition to Atlanta United and the New England Revolution inside the previous rounds. Ronny Deila's facet looked a bit gradual up-front on Sunday with out the suspended Argentine, however he's again this weekend and could look to place his name in the MLS history books.
Substitutes: Steve Clark (GK), Larrys Mabiala (CB), Tayvon Gray (RB), GudmundurThórarinsson (LB), Cristhian Paredes (CM), Diego Valeri (CAM), Talles Magno (FW), Dairon Asprilla (FW), Felipe Mora (ST). Portland Timbers gamers: 12 NYCFC players: 8
