Philadelphia Union fell 3-0 to Portland Timbers at Providence Park late Saturday night. The Timbers went ahead on two second half penalties and a set piece goal from David Guzman. Here are some key points from the match.
Big first chance
After a quiet and even first half, the Union had the first big chance of the match just after the halftime whistle when Fabinho stood the ball up at the far post for Derrick Jones. The midfielder, making his first start of the season, got good wood on his shot but Portland goalie Jeff Attinella was alert and pushed the ball over the goal.
That would prove to be the Union’s only real chance to break the Timbers’ stout defense, and once Fabinho hauled down Powell in the box to set up Diego Valeri’s penalty, the hill to climb to a victory became too steep.
Jones solid in first start, Elliott and Herbers return
Derrick Jones’ first start of the season produced a solid display in midfield. In the first half, the big mid stayed at home and sought to protect against the counterattack. As the match wore on, though, he began to get forward more, sitting in pockets of the back line like the man he replaced, Ale Bedoya, often does. Jones won’t displace Bedoya any time soon, but he took advantage of his minutes to make a good impression.
Fabian Herbers was also active throughout the match, both combining with Borek Dockal and Keegan Rosenberry on the right and nipping inside to support CJ Sapong. Herbers’ lack of top end speed was an issue in transition, but Portland’s counterpressing was so strong that the Union rarely got to play vertically behind a retreating fullback.
Jack Elliott was also solid in his return to the lineup, though the Timbers clearly saw opportunities to drag him wide and play into the space he left behind. Once the Union went behind, the big center back’s ability to play quick, deep passes out of the back was a hugely useful tool.
Open Cup in sight
One win away from the US Open Cup final, Philly needed to get through this match without any key injuries. Although Mark McKenzie sat out with a minor tweak, nobody else picked up anything that could see them miss Wednesday’s big semifinal match against Chicago Fire. Meanwhile, Veljko Paunovic’s men lost Diego Campos to an injury that could see him miss significant time.
Philly welcomes Chicago to Talen Energy Stadium at 7PM EST on Wednesday, August 8.
