1. The 3-4-3 really did provide some defensive structure. San Jose couldn't really figure it out, and if someone made a mistake, then there was someone else ready to clean up. It just seemed to give more structure and they seemed more at ease in it. As you mentioned, having Bravo and Araujo would be really great. The other thing is that Evander played the 8 and you can tell he relishes that. It didn't work so great offensively in the final third because as you mentioned, antony was on the left and Moreno just isn't keen on crossing or taking guys on down the line like Antony would and did on the right. It's criminal by Phil to play people out of position. It's like going into a fight with two hands tied behind your back. I'd like to see Rodriguez, Mora and Antony up top on that formation. Mosquera is a little more palatable as a wing back.
2. I'm a little worried about Crepeau. I need to see some clean sheets before I feel better.
3. Just get it to your big guns. Evander and Rodriguez, once they started getting the ball, good things happened. Conversely, less of Moreno and Mosquera would be a good thing. For the amount of touches they get, they should be doing more, but they are fairly wasteful. Moreno just seems really raw to me in the final third and as I've mentioned many times, just doesn't have a nose for the goal and is not wing material. Mosquera troubles me, too.
4. It is really great to win. I hope they can get everybody healthy so we can see the best version of the Timbers, and see if Phil can actually do something with this team.
5. Crazy decisions to be made- but yes, I think it is a red all day. If it is on the goal line and you are the last, it's a dogso. And yes, it was a handball. Unfortunate for SJ. I couldn't believe it was taking so long for the second pk. That one looked pretty clear cut.
Great read. At halftime about 1130 my time I was wondering why I was staying up.
I'm glad I did!
Yes, I agree Jeremy, with your analysis.
1. The 3-4-3 really did provide some defensive structure. San Jose couldn't really figure it out, and if someone made a mistake, then there was someone else ready to clean up. It just seemed to give more structure and they seemed more at ease in it. As you mentioned, having Bravo and Araujo would be really great. The other thing is that Evander played the 8 and you can tell he relishes that. It didn't work so great offensively in the final third because as you mentioned, antony was on the left and Moreno just isn't keen on crossing or taking guys on down the line like Antony would and did on the right. It's criminal by Phil to play people out of position. It's like going into a fight with two hands tied behind your back. I'd like to see Rodriguez, Mora and Antony up top on that formation. Mosquera is a little more palatable as a wing back.
2. I'm a little worried about Crepeau. I need to see some clean sheets before I feel better.
3. Just get it to your big guns. Evander and Rodriguez, once they started getting the ball, good things happened. Conversely, less of Moreno and Mosquera would be a good thing. For the amount of touches they get, they should be doing more, but they are fairly wasteful. Moreno just seems really raw to me in the final third and as I've mentioned many times, just doesn't have a nose for the goal and is not wing material. Mosquera troubles me, too.
4. It is really great to win. I hope they can get everybody healthy so we can see the best version of the Timbers, and see if Phil can actually do something with this team.
5. Crazy decisions to be made- but yes, I think it is a red all day. If it is on the goal line and you are the last, it's a dogso. And yes, it was a handball. Unfortunate for SJ. I couldn't believe it was taking so long for the second pk. That one looked pretty clear cut.
One of the craziest Timbers games I’ve been to. Hopefully we can continue that momentum.