Andy Thoma gets a cross in for T2. Photo: Ethan Erickson-Portland Timbers
By Niall McCusker
He was a runner, worst yet, a brandisher. In refereeing circles the style in which the official cards players is known as ‘mechanics’. A quick glance at this official’s mechanics was enough to predict how his performance would play out. He was there to be the star of the show, the players merely his supporting cast.
He might not always be close to the action, but when the opportunity comes to give a caution, it is a full-on sprint and the card is produced right in the player’s face in the manner of a Prussian duke challenging a rival to a duel.
Not content with a controversial ninety minutes, he hung out on the field long enough after the final whistle to attract some commentary on his performance from a few of the home players. An opportunity for a post-game red card as an encore? Most definitely taken.
The game itself wasn’t an overly aggressive affair for a Cascadian derby. Merlo Field looked great as always, but it was a cloudy and unusually humid evening. The crowd of just over 3000 was lively, but even with a respectably sized visiting contingent, lacked the hostility of an encounter between the senior sides.
The home team started well, holding possession with Nanchoff looking the classiest player on the field on the left flank, ably supported by Jeanderson at left back. Seattle were dangerous on the counter, but the home side’s pressure could easily
have been rewarded with at least one penalty. There looked to be two very legitimate shouts.
For Portland, Clarke and Delbridge anchored the defense in front of Gleeson in goal. Thoma was at right
back to accommodate Jeanderson on the left. The defensive midfielders were Besler and Payne, with Winchester on the right and
Nanchoff on the left. Casiple was the central attacking midfielder, replacing Fatawu Safiu who was on duty with Ghana’s U-23’s. Belmar led the line as the lone striker.
In the 34th minute the crowd celebrated a goal from Belmar, following a good run from Payne, but it was called back for offside. It was a very close decision.
Shortly after that Seattle opened the scoring from a corner that was knocked down and bundled over the line from close range by
Damion Lowe.
Portland started sharply in the second half earning a couple of corners, with yet another penalty shout following one them. Kovar missed a great chance for Seattle following excellent work to chase down a long ball from the deceptively fast Andy Craven.
Having already served notice of his intentions, in the 55th minute Craven had more luck with the linesman’s flag as he ran
onto another long ball between the high center backs and clipped it over the advancing Jake Gleeson for Seattle’s second.
Portland responded with series of set-pieces and came close on one. But Seattle grew more comfortable in their lead as the half wore on, moving the ball and holding possession well.
Besler, Payne and Casiple were not doing enough to get control of the game. Besler was the first one substituted in the 66th minute with Blair Gavin coming into the game. Five minutes later Casiple was replaced with Brent Richards as Portland tried to reinvigorate their midfield.
Brent Richards – looking to put injury woes behind him. Photo: Ethan Erickson-Portland Timbers
Richards looked good and injected some energy into the game, it was nice to see him back on the field following his long battle with injuries.
In the 71st minute a cross from Casiple was headed in at the far post by Clarke, Seattle’s keeper should have done better, but he was rescued by the linesman who ruled Clarke offside.
A sense of injustice in the home side led to an increasingly chippy game on the field. But Seattle’s compact shape thwarted any danger from Portland’s fast attackers. Belmar and Winchester’s best work comes from exploiting higher defensive lines, but with the visitors content to hold their lead and counter, the home side were limited to set-piece opportunities which they didn’t manage to convert.
Jeanderson and Thoma switched sides in the second half and that did not seem to work as well for Nanchoff on the left as he faded out of the game following his bright opening. Both full-backs did not get forward enough to support the attack and the center-backs always looked vulnerable against Craven.
The long haired UNC product was the best performer on the night (sorry ref) as Seattle took home a deserved win, even if slightly flattered by the 2-0 scoreline.
