MLS Playoffs 2020: Portland Timbers vs FC Dallas – tactical analysis

The first round of MLS playoffs served up a slew of entertaining games. The first meeting between Portland Timbers and FC Dallas this season was no different. Portland finished the season in third behind Seattle and a resurgent Sporting KC, while Dallas battled their way to playoff qualification, finishing in sixth. 

Led by Venezuelan Giovanni Savarese, the Timbers were victorious in the MLS is back tournament. Exiting the 2019 playoffs in the first round, Savarese was looking to guide Portland to place in the final. 

Luchi Gonzalez’s gang of veterans and academy players were embarking on their second postseason campaign. Last season they came close to beating Seattle, ultimately falling 4-3. This would also mark Gonzalez’s second year working with the first team after years of being on the academy side as the director.

At the end of a very tense match, FC Dallas triumphed over Portland in the third-longest penalty shootout in league history. This tactical analysis will look at the attacking tactics behind Dallas’ first-round victory, and how Portland almost secured their place in the second round.

Lineups

Portland Timbers 4-2-3-1

Savarese’s 4-2-3-1 was completely different in action than it was on paper. Although they were missing key players due to long term injury, the personnel available were more than good enough to carry out the game plan. The Timbers would count upon starting attacking midfielder Diego Valeri, as their main attacking weapon. Having scored seven goals with five assists, the Argentinian is clearly Portland’s talisman. At striker, Mexican Felipe Mora has also contributed heavily in Portland’s attacking phase scoring seven goals with three assists. 

FC Dallas 4-2-3-1

Dallas went with a lineup that had a similar look to the regular season game against Nashville. With John Nelson starting at left-back, Ryan Hollingshead started at left forward. Fafa Picault started on the right in place of right-winger Michael Barrios, while leading goal scorer Franco Jara led the line.