The MLS is Back Tournament entered the semi-final round this week as two matches were set to decide who would get to the final. Teams are competing in a tournament for a spot in the Concacaf Champions League in 2021. The first semi-final taking place was the Philadelphia Union vs Portland Timbers while Orlando City played Minnesota United the next day.
This tactical analysis will focus on the first match between the Philadelphia Union and the Portland Timbers. Both clubs had an interesting route to the semis with the Timbers especially. In their quarter-final match, they squeezed past Cincinnati FC in a 4-2 penalty shootout victory. On the other hand, the Union beat Sporting Kansas City more comfortably, ending the match with a 3-1 win.
These two clubs will be searching for a spot in the final after a full month of football which kickstarted the MLS season once again. Other leagues in the world such as the Premier League resumed league play in order to finish the season. However, the MLS had to change plans considering their season was only two weeks into the fixtures when the virus hit. Despite a change in plans, the tournament has provided some exhilarating matches.
This tactical analysis and match report will analyze the tactics for both sides during Portland Timbers 2-1 victory over the Philadelphia Union.
Lineups
Both teams lined up in a four back for this semi-final match up with each manager playing a fairly similar system at the opening whistle. Giovanni Savarese of the Portland Timbers preferred the 4-2-3-1 with the dangerous wide players of Sebastian Blanco and Marvin Loria combining with Diego Valeri as the attacking three playing behind the striker.
Contrarily, Jim Curtain went with a 4-3-1-2 formation, with his front three creating a triangle made up of two strikers and an attacking midfielder. While this shape was different, the main creator in the team was Jamiro Monteiro, who completed the most passes of the match compared to any other player on the pitch.
