RSL vs Portland Timbers: What we learned

As this is RSL Soapbox, I’m going to climb atop so I can say “We told you so.” We’ve been spouting the quality of this team all season. Even as we despaired at the painful turns, we’ve seen the quality. It just needed time. A clean sheet would have been nice to post tonight, but we’ll take this win. With giant grins. And hats off to Petke for getting this team working together.

Dear Portland. We know how you’re feeling right now. Keep your heads up, kiddos.

Some weeks ago I said that this week is going to be what defines the remainder of RSL’s season. We’ve taken three of the six points on the line against in-conference teams. We’re moving into a nice home run. There’s still a bit of life left in this season. It’s going to be fascinating to watch what Rusnák, Plata, and Savarino can accomplish. Things should only get better. In fact, it’s what we should be demanding. These past two wins were spectacular, but this team still has a long way to go. They look to be on track.

We also learned that tackling an opponent will get him a red card as well as you. If Adi gets a suspension of fewer than three-games, I’ll be amazed and a bit annoyed. He lost his cool. But let’s be honest. If there’s anyone who can get under the skin of opponents, it’s Kyle Beckerman. I anticipate his red being rescinded, but that might depend on Toledo’s after-match report. We shall see.

Another match with multiple goals! A Beckerbomb! Plata with a brace. Gleeson with a sweet header. Awesome movement on and off the ball. Double digit shots on goal. Dominant. Lovely.

Overreactions

Adi leads an MLS revolution and the league shifts to playing rugby.

Providence Park becomes the go-to swimming destination as it fills with the tears of the Timber’s Army. The grass at the RioT is extra green for similar reasons.

Kyle Beckerman scores a Beckerbomb from his home if his red card isn’t rescinded.