Portland Timbers entered the recent international break off the back of three consecutive defeats, leaving them languishing in 12th place in the Western Conference. After a 7-2 victory at home against Sporting KC, hopes were raised for a turnaround to get the Timbers back on track for a play-offs finish. But this win was followed by unimpressive defeats against Philadelphia Union, San Jose Earthquakes and Inter Miami, with the latter two rivalling the Timbers towards the bottom of the overall MLS table.
This season’s performances are a far cry from the results that took the Timbers to a penalty shootout win away from being MLS Cup winners. Since joining in 2017, head coach Giovanni Savarese has secured their position in the top six of the Western Conference to qualify for the playoffs in each season of his tenure so far. However, alongside injuries and departures, this season’s form looks to have hindered the Timbers hopes of battling for success again.
In this tactical analysis in the form of a team scout report, we will discuss Savarese’s tactics that have led to a drop from MLS Cup finalists to 24th in the 28-team MLS league table.
In possession
From goal-kicks, Portland Timbers build-up is usually short. The two centre-backs will consistently be short passing options inside the box, but the Timbers pivot player will also occasionally drop to the six-yard box to receive off the goalkeeper. This is shown in the figure below, with holding midfielder Diego Chará dropping alongside the centre-backs and goalkeeper to create a 4vs3 against Philadelphia Union’s pressing front three.
Diego Chará’s movement consequently pushes the full-backs besides the two central midfielders, forming another 4vs3 overload in midfield. With the Timbers full-backs holding width, their front three can remain narrower, positioned closer to combine to retain possession or collect second balls to regain possession.
One of their biggest departures in the transfer window was last seasons starting goalkeeper Steve Clark, who joined Houston Dynamo. Clark’s replacement has been Slovenian Aljaž Ivačič. This is Ivačič’s first season as the starting goalkeeper, since joining from Olimpija Ljubljana three seasons ago. Out of the 31 goalkeepers to have played over 500 minutes in the MLS so far this season, Ivačič ranks 25th for average pass length, showing his tendency to play short. His 5.63 forward passes per 90 are the lowest in the league, as well as his below-average passing accuracy, indicating his minimal influence on the Timbers ball progression in the build-up phase.
In the example below, the Timbers are able to exploit Philadelphia Union’s midfield with the use of their overload. As Diego Chará receives the short goal kick, right centre-back Dario Župarić, formerly of Pescara in Serie A, widens his positioning to stretch the Union front three. This enlarges the space between the left-sided and central player in the front three, creating the passing lane into Yimmi Chará. Yimmi Charás movement to receive has drawn out two Philadelphia Union midfielders, leaving right back Josecarlos van Rankin as the free man able to receive Y.Chará’s pass. The Timbers full-backs are heavily involved in attacking play, looking to access the forwards and offering movement into the final third.
