RSL vs Portland: What we learned

How many matches have we had this year that looked like three or four different teams on the pitch? All RSL for the first half. All Timbers in the second. Except for those seven minutes at the end where we decided to show back up.

I’m sitting in a pub in Bend, Oregon surrounded by a score of 10-something-year-old Timbers fans. A few adults, too. Awesome people.

Coaching

When the halves look this disparate, it’s down to coaching. Savarese did a much better job with the Timbers at halftime than Freddy did with RSL.

I’m still not sold on Freddy, but we’re on to Seattle. That’s something. If we can run deep I think Freddy might be our guy. But maybe not.

Perseverance

It’s what we do. We looked ugly most of the second half. We won. I’ll take it!

Conundrum

I still have no idea who this team is, but I like it! It’s not the lack of identity we had under Cassar. We’re a team. There’s talent. It’s working. Not in a dominant, destructive way. It’s a perseverant identity. A team mentality.

Overreactions

We’re going to win it all! Well, maybe if we can play the rest of the post-season like that first half. Down with the second half!

Stupid Seattle. And stupid Dallas for not winning and giving us another home game. It’s all on the road from here.

I’m having Rimando sadnesses. I may tear up a bit when it’s all over.