LAG Confidential - Portland Timbers defeat LA Galaxy 1-0
The Jewel of MLS Blogs
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2013-09-29T18:40:25-07:00
http://www.lagconfidential.com/rss/stream/4547629
2013-09-29T18:40:25-07:00
2013-09-29T18:40:25-07:00
LA Galaxy play well but issues were highlighted
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<p>Much is made of the atmosphere in Portland, somewhat less is made of the turf and its effects. Today against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.stumptownfooty.com/">Portland Timbers</a> the Galaxy had do with that, pouring rain, and temperatures not seen in Los Angeles outside of the month of January. Top that off with the fact that the Timbers are pretty good at soccer, and you've got the situation LA walked into today.</p>
<p>It still felt like LA may have done enough to get at least a draw up in Oregon. With the pitch playing as fast as it did, both teams did well and taking the ball from their opponent. The flip side of that was both offenses constantly losing possession, and for the Galaxy that was often in the form of poor shots. The Timbers didn't give LA much space to work in; <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110934/landon-donovan">Landon Donovan</a> had five key passes but only one of them came inside the penalty area. That shot inside the penalty area was blocked.</p>
<p>"We didn't create any great chances," said Landon Donovan, "but I thought overall we played well. We were a little at fault for not shooting and putting the ball on frame a little bit more, but we certainly had better chances in the game than they did."</p>
<p>Donovan's got a point there, as only two shots came inside the frame of the goal for LA out of six. Worse, the only shot taken inside the penalty area was that aforementioned blocked shot. The Timbers were packed inside the final third and the Galaxy did not find a way to break them down (outside of the offside equalizer in stoppage time).</p>
<p>Portland was able to play both sides of the field (LA was terribly left-sided) and get the majority of their shots inside the goal frame taken from inside the penalty area. Whereas LA was so left sided that they didn't take one shot from the right side, Portland took a shot from the left, center, and right of the penalty area.</p>
<p>"But we can be better and we know when we play at home we're better than that. Tonight, I thought we did enough to at least get a point, but unfortunately we let ourselves down."</p>
<p>Yes LA have gotten better results at home (as has every MLS team) but there are still serious issues that came out in Portland. Not being able to trust your right side midfielder in the offense is an issue. Having a left side midfielder without a key pass, when the offense is flowing exclusively through him, is an issue.</p>
<p>LA played Portland to a relative deadlock at home too, a few months ago. There's a high probability that LA will see one of Portland or Seattle in the playoffs, and they'll see them on the road. The glaring issues need fixing, and yes, <span>Robbie Rogers</span> being out with injury has a great deal to do with LA having midfield issues.</p>
<p>Right now, without changes, this isn't a club that's going to make it through a playoff run.</p>
https://www.lagconfidential.com/2013/9/29/4785060/la-galaxy-play-well-but-issues-were-highlighted-in-portland
Josie Becker
2013-09-29T15:11:50-07:00
2013-09-29T15:11:50-07:00
LA Galaxy lose 1-0 to Timbers on Urruti goal
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lagconfidential.com/">LA Galaxy</a> lost 1-0 to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.stumptownfooty.com/">Portland Timbers</a> on a blustery day, with not much going right offensively despite dominating the pace of the match. The loss combined with not getting all three points against Seattle last time out puts LA a bit on the back foot going into the final month of the season, needing to pick up the pace to get back on track.</p>
<p>The Timbers got their lone goal from Maxi Urruti who karate kicked one past Jaime Penedo who otherwise had an excellent match. Two huge saves by the LA Galaxy goalkeeper kept his team in the match, and was also involved in clearing the ball coming off his line to help out his defenders.</p>
<p>The Galaxy attack became one sided, always going wide through <span>Gyasi Zardes</span> and never through <span>Hector Jimenez</span> or Michael Stephens. Landon Donovan showed some absense rust but managed five key passes. Finding finishers was the difficult part, with Keane allowing a physical defense to take him out of his rhythm.</p>
<p>In looking for a man of the match, the Portland defense used the small size of their field to their advantage keeping Donovan and Keane from getting any pockets of space from which to work in. It's no surprise that once Donovan and Keane had room to breathe they combined for a goal; unfortunately the rules as written don't allow for any leaning into an offside position.</p>
<p>Portland packed the penalty area, especially after they managed their lone goal. Diego Chara's heat map showed the Galaxy essentially played against five defenders, and with six interceptions and four tackles he was certainly involved in limiting the Galaxy attack.</p>
<p>With the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.burgundywave.com/">Colorado Rapids</a> off this week, LA remains tied with the Colorado Rapids for those fourth and fifth spots. If they season ended today, LA would host the wildcard playoff via the wins tiebreaker. Colorado hosts Seattle next week while LA hosts Chivas, so that could be a good opportunity to get separation again.</p>
<p>Portland has a very difficult stretch coming up with a road trip to Vancouver next week, then hosting Seattle, then hosting <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.rslsoapbox.com/">Real Salt Lake</a>. LA hosts Chivas, Montreal, and San Jose in that time, so there's still a possibility of LA jumping into third place by playoff time. Today's result didn't make things easier though.</p>
https://www.lagconfidential.com/2013/9/29/4784408/la-galaxy-lose-1-0-portland-timbers-maxi-urrutil-landon-donovan
Josie Becker
2013-09-29T12:14:28-07:00
2013-09-29T12:14:28-07:00
LA Galaxy vs. Portland Timbers: Starting Lineups
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<p><strong><a href="https://www.lagconfidential.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">LA Galaxy</a> lineup:</strong> Penedo; Franklin, Gonzalez, Opare, Dunivant; Jimenez, Juninho, Sarvas, Zardes; Donovan, Keane</p>
<p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110934/landon-donovan" class="sbn-auto-link">Landon Donovan</a> returns to the lineup for the first time since his injury, but LA face a new injury in Leonardo who didn't travel due to left adductor fatigue. It seems <span>Kofi Opare</span> has moved up the depth chart ahead of <span>Tommy Meyer</span>, as he gets the start today. With <span>A.J. DeLaGarza</span> out, Franklin retains his right back spot and <span>Hector Jimenez</span> starts one level up.</p>
<p><strong>LA Galaxy bench:</strong> Rowe; Meyer; Garcia, Courtois, Mastroeni, Stephens; Villarreal</p>
<p>No Jack McBean on the bench as Arena brings up Garcia who showed well in Costa Rica. Still no Carlo Cudicini anywhere near the match day roster.</p>
<p><strong>Timbers XI:</strong> Ricketts, Jewsbury, Danso, Kah, Harrington, Chara, Valeri, W. Johnson ©, Nagbe, Urruti, Wallace</p>
<p><strong>Timbers Subs:</strong> Kocic, Jean-Baptiste, Powell, Alhassan, Zemanski, R. Johnson, Valencia</p>
<p><b>TV: </b>NBC</p>
<p><b>Kick Off:</b> 12:30 Pacific</p>
<p><b>Importance:</b> Very</p>
<p><b>Raining: </b>Hard</p>
<p><b>Surface: </b>Turf</p>
<p><strong>Opta:</strong> 4 - LA Galaxy have won 4 of their previous 7 MLS games against TimbersFC, though they have lost two of three at Jeld-Wen Field. Turf.</p>
<p><strong>Opta:</strong> 8 - Timbers FC have scored eight goals in their three home MLS games against LAGalaxy thus far. Pepper.</p>
<p><strong>Opta:</strong> 1 - LA Galaxy have won just one of their last six road games in MLS, conceding 12 goals in the span. Gassed.</p>
https://www.lagconfidential.com/2013/9/29/4783830/la-galaxy-vs-portland-timbers-starting-lineups-and-benches
Josie Becker
2013-09-29T11:40:16-07:00
2013-09-29T11:40:16-07:00
Four Star Match Day: LA Galaxy vs. Timbers
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<figcaption>Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>With the LA Galaxy set to take on the Portland Timbers, let's take a look at the local papers and see what they have to say about the upcoming match. </p> <p>With the <a href="https://www.lagconfidential.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">LA Galaxy</a> set to take on the <a href="https://www.stumptownfooty.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Portland Timbers</a>, let's take a look at the local papers and see what they have to say about the upcoming match.</p>
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<li>With the LA Galaxy in rainy Oregon, let's start with <a target="_blank" href="http://www.oregonlive.com/timbers/index.ssf/2013/09/ricketts_hopes_timbers_seize_t.html">The Oregonian</a> who spoke to <span>Donovan Ricketts</span> about the importance of the match. Ricketts took the Carpe Diem approach, that a playoff berth can never be taken for granted. Galaxy fans may have other feelings about Ricketts and the playoffs. </li>
<li>
<a target="_blank" href="http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=soc-mls/news/news.aspx?id=4627856">The Sports Network</a> talked to <span>Caleb Porter</span> about the role <span>Diego Valeri</span> has played for the Timbers. Portland are unbeaten in their last three matches, and Valeri bagged the lone goal in their victory over Colorado. A fun Valeri quote from the article: He tells me almost every week, 'Coach, we're going to win championships here.' Can't argue with that attitude. </li>
<li>It's <a target="_blank" href="http://instagram.com/p/e2rjQBB2qj/">pouring rain in Portland</a>. In case that hasn't come across yet. </li>
<li>Caleb Porter <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2013/09/29/portland-timbers-manager-caleb-porter-calls-full-strength-la-galaxy-toughest?utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=MatchCenter&utm_campaign=Unpaid">called the Galaxy</a> the toughest full strength to beat in MLS. Fans know the issue has been keeping a full strength squad. </li>
<li>Here are LA Galaxy Insider <a target="_blank" href="http://www.lagalaxy.com/news/2013/09/three-points-la-galaxy-ready-unexpected-sunday-they-face-portland-timbers">Adam Serrano's three points</a> on the upcoming match. </li>
<li>The <a target="_blank" href="http://www.oregonlive.com/timbers/index.ssf/2013/09/portland_timbers_succeed_with.html">Timbers hate to lose</a>, apparently. I've heard TFC loves it though. Loves it like chocolate. </li>
<li>In other news, the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.latimes.com/sports/soccer/la-sp-baxter-soccer-20130929,0,798030.story#axzz2gHmEEHYT">LA Times had a piece</a> on <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110903/carlos-bocanegra" class="sbn-auto-link">Carlos Bocanegra</a> being totally chill with not being on the national team anymore. </li>
<li>Seattle can <a target="_blank" href="http://espnfc.com/blog/_/name/soccerusa/id/3212/seattle-has-golden-chance-to-secure-mls-supporters-shield-on-sunday?cc=5901">take back the driver's seat</a> for the Supporters' Shield with a win over New York tonight.</li>
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https://www.lagconfidential.com/2013/9/29/4783700/four-star-match-day-la-galaxy-vs-portland-timbers
Josie Becker
2013-09-27T16:04:12-07:00
2013-09-27T16:04:12-07:00
LA Galaxy vs. Portland Timbers: Match Preview
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<figcaption>Tom Hauck</figcaption>
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<p>Stumptown Footy answers a few questions about Portland Timbers FC ahead of Sunday's fixture at Jeld-Wen Field.</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.lagconfidential.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">LA Galaxy</a> are in Portland after breaking into the quarterfinals of the CONCACAF Champions League with a win in Costa Rica. This final meeting between the two clubs has the most on the line, with not much in the standings separating the two sides. Landon Donovan's status might still be a question mark, but ahead of Sunday's match at Jeld-Wen Field, we asked some questions of Michael Orr at Stumptown Footy to get a sense of what's going on up in Portland. My answers to his questions <a href="http://www.stumptownfooty.com/portland-timbers/2013/9/27/4770404/portland-timbers-vs-la-galaxy-preview-interview" target="_blank">can be found by following this link.</a></p>
<p><b>1) <span>Diego Valeri</span> was recently profiled on MLS Insider, and has gotten mentioned as an MLS MVP candidate. What makes him the most valuable player to the Timbers this season?</b></p>
<p>1. Valeri is the most important player in Caleb Porter's 4-2-3-1. As the central hub of offensive sequences, and one of the better counter attacking players in Portland, Valeri dictates the pace of the game and is equally capable of scoring himself or providing others with scoring chances. With Diego Chara and <span>Will Johnson</span> patrolling the central midfield behind him, Valeri has the freedom to move wherever he likes and often switches places with Darlington Nage on the right. At the moment, the 27-year-old Argetine is tied for the team lead in goals with 8 and shares the league's top assists mark with a dozen. But all of those interesting numbers and tactics aside, what makes Valeri the most valuable player for the Timbers in 2013 is he's simply the best player on the field.</p>
<p><b>2) Portland has really relied on the draw this season, keeping them in the top half of the standings despite not having as many victories as the other top teams. Have there been more defensive letdowns or crazy comebacks?</b></p>
<p>2. Earlier in the season, the Timbers had a knack for giving up early goals and finding a way to come back for a draw. Down 3-1 to New York, 2-0 in Colorado, 2-1 in Vancouver and 1-0 in Seattle, Portland took back points all before June. During the summer, Portland gave up a two-goal lead in Chicago, went 0-0 in LA and Philadelphia and gave up late equalizers at home against Vancouver and <a href="https://www.rslsoapbox.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Real Salt Lake</a> to even some of that out. There hasn't been one dominant way the Timbers have drawn games, but in a league where the first tie-breaker is games won, it could very well come back to cost them when playoff seedings are made.</p>
<p><b>3) One thing LA dealt with last week against Seattle was an aggressive, physical defense. It seems like Portland is also guilty of giving up fouls in dangerous areas. Has defending those set pieces been an issue, and if so why?</b></p>
<p>3. In general, Portland has been terrible at set piece defending this season. Bad, bad goals have been given up in San Jose, Columbus and Salt Lake and at home against Vancouver, leading to three losses and a late draw. Often it's the second ball in a set piece sequence that kills the Timbers, though in the aforementioned cases, it was just non-existent marking on corners and free kicks. The Timbers do have a bad habit of giving up fouls just outside the box, so it is very likely the Galaxy will get at least one or two chances to test <span>Donovan Ricketts</span> and Portland's marking ability. Set pieces are the one area of the game where Porter's possession and pressing style don't really translate. The more chances a team has from stoppages instead of from open play, the more likely goals will be. Especially, for some reason, in Portland.</p>
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https://www.lagconfidential.com/2013/9/27/4778626/la-galaxy-vs-portland-timbers-match-preview-interview
Josie Becker
2013-09-26T10:29:49-07:00
2013-09-26T10:29:49-07:00
Four Star Daily: MLS Live, Donovan status
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<figcaption>Jamie Sabau</figcaption>
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<p>MLS Digital has launched a native app on Apple TV, Landon Donovan is still a question mark for the Portland match, and both US Soccer and the MLS Players Association have released financial documents. </p> <p>MLS Digital has launched a native app on Apple TV, Landon Donovan is still a question mark for the Portland match, and both US Soccer and the MLS Players Association have released financial documents. That and more in today's Four Star Daily:</p>
<ul>
<li>MLS Digital announced today <a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2013/09/26/mls-apple-tv" target="new">the launch of a native app</a> on Apple TV. Like MLB, the Apple TV app for MLS will allow users to watch their MLS Live subscriptions on the big screen and also access other MLS video content and stats. MLS already has an app on Roku, and the iPhone/iPod touch Match Day app supports AirPlay so users could stream video through the Apple TV.</li>
<li>US Soccer has <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ussoccer.com/about/federation-services/resource-center/financial-information.aspx">released an updated</a> financial statement which details some of their sponsorships and expenses. Soccer United Marketing is the marketing representation arm of US Soccer as well as MLS (outside of the US Soccer - Nike contract which predated SUM) and pays out an annual guaranteed amount to US Soccer. The payout this last fiscal year was $11,110,170 which is up about three million from that last fiscal year. US Soccer received $12,950,000 from Nike, although some of that is in the form of equipment. </li>
<li>Speaking of financials, the Players Union released an<a target="_blank" href="http://www.mlsplayers.org/files/September%2015,%202013%20Salary%20Information%20-%20By%20Club.pdf"> updated salary survey</a>. It doesn't include an update on <span>Omar Gonzalez</span>' or <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110934/landon-donovan">Landon Donovan's</a> salaries, but it does include Jaime Penedo for the first time. He's guaranteed $81,562.50, which is well more than Perk or Rowe but less than Cudicini is making to attend practices. <span>Laurent Courtois</span> was signed for the veteran minimum. </li>
<li>The fantasy report on Donovan <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2013/09/25/mls-fantasy-its-easy-supporters-say-its-huge-game-you-have-go-doctors">before the CCL match</a> was that if he played in Costa Rica he'd be a possible for Portland. Although Bruce Arena has said Donovan should be available for Portland, he also said that about Seattle. Flying Donovan to Costa Rica just so Portland would game plan for his involvement would be some extreme gamesmanship. Also worth noting that Seattle could be without <span>Clint Dempsey</span> and <span>Eddie Johnson</span> this weekend when they take on New York, who could be without <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110250/thierry-henry">Thierry Henry</a> and Jamison Olave. At this point of the season, teams have to get players healthy for the playoffs while still maintaining their playoff position. It's extremely difficult. </li>
</ul>
https://www.lagconfidential.com/2013/9/26/4773808/four-star-daily-mls-live-landon-donovan-status-financial-statements
Josie Becker