by Graham Tooke, @chelskitooke
Starting XI
Ousted 6.5
He made a good stop early on when Diego Valeri got in behind the defense. But he’ll be disappointed that his defense left him so exposed on Valeri’s goal that snuck inside his near post. And other than a late reflex catch he dealt with most of what the Timbers put his way comfortably. The defending in front of him at set pieces was absolutely shocking, some of the worst I can remember seeing. Everything bounced inside the area with no one around to clear, the ‘Caps continually got lucky with the Timbers unable to capitalize.
Beitashour 7.5
It’s hard to find any slight on his performance as he got forward putting in a couple of dangerous crosses while holding his own on the right hand side. He possibly could have offered up more support to Tim Parker who seemed to get a little stranded one-on-one at times.
Dean 7.0
Made his first start of the season and did well to help his side towards a gritty tie in Portland. However, it took him a long time to wake up to the game in progress. He always seemed to be a step behind when Tim Parker was doing his best to hassle his opponent towards the byline. I also wasn’t impressed with his defending on the Valeri goal as he appeared to allow the Argentine the angle to fire past Ousted when he needed surely could have blocked. The second half was a vast improvement as he began to put in those last ditch tackles, I imagine his head coach got onto him about concentrating and getting stuck in.
Parker 7.0
He didn’t exactly make a start that would fill you with confidence, he whiffed on a passback that Nagbe used to steal in behind, and was a step behind for much of the first half. The second half allowed him to display his athletic ability as he kept the energy levels high while others tired. Alongside Dean the two did more than enough to keep their head coach happy.
Jordan Harvey receives a late sending off for a challenge on Valeri
Harvey 5.0
With the inexperienced pairing in central defense it was said Harvey would be the organizer at the back, but that assumption quickly failed as the Timbers sprayed a dangerous freekick down his flank that he was unaware to. He did start putting in a couple of decent crosses from the left as they pushed for an equalizer. Can also consider himself unlucky to be sent off for a late challenge on Diego Valeri. The Argentine writhed in agony, but replays showed there was nothing malicious about the challenge other than it being from behind. Yellow at the most.
Laba 6.5
Other than his peach of a goal, I really didn’t find Laba was anywhere near his usual standards. Sloppily conceded possession a number of times in the first half, with Chara nicking the ball away the worst of the bunch as the Timbers went on to score. There was also a couple of counter attacks that Laba wasted with misplaced passes when the ‘Caps were flooding bodies forward. Sloppily gave up possession in his own half allowing Portland to break and score.
Koffie 7.5
When you’re usually expecting Laba to be the man breaking up play on this night it was all Koffie. He challenged every 50/50 in the middle of the park and helped send the Portland danger men wide.
Rosales 7.5
It took 20 minutes for the veteran to get into this one, but once he did he was mesmerizing. His one-two’s with Mezquida and Manneh allowed the youngsters to break in on goal a number of times and really should have grabbed a pair of assists if it weren’t for some last ditch defending. He was also unfortunate to head over Harvey’s cross in the second half.
What Mezquida lacks in skill he makes up for in determination
Mezquida 7.0
A rare start for Mezquida got off to a reckless start as he gave away the ball needlessly, but that early mistake sparked him into a much improved performance from what we’ve seen this season. The chemistry with Rosales was pleasing to the eye, and his relentless ability to close down the opponent. Hauled off around the hour but if he can add to his appearances in the next couple of weeks as the schedule gets heavy we may start seeing what the coaching staff sees week in week out in training.
Manneh 8.5
A super run down the middle sent three defenders the wrong way as he found space in front of goal but the keeper got an outstretched toe on the end of the shot. His biggest chance came as he collected Rosales through ball, rounded the keeper and looked to have found the goal from a tight angle but Nat Borchers got back to clear off the line. His passing ability from deep is really improving, no doubt aided by playing closer to Rosales. It’s fantastic to finally see Kekuta playing this well on a consistent basis, lng may it continue.
Rivero 8.5
He’s got the lone striker role figured out, just incredibly unlucky to not be finding the net as much as everyone expects. His ability off the ball is why guys like Manneh and Rosales are seeing more chances in front of goal. His control from Christian Dean’s long ball was exquisite. It was a shame Kwarasey was so quickly out to his feet.
Subs
Techera and Chara got into a bit of a spat late on that saw Will Johnson red carded
Techera 5.0 (67’)
Fresh legs? He didn’t appear ready to come in. He dallied on the ball numerous times expecting way more time than he had wasting possession for his side.
Teibert 6.0 (84’)
He made a clever overlapping down the left earning his side a corner, but not enough to find a winner.
Froese N/A (90’+)
