RSL vs Portland: What we learned

That was one fun game. I was worried for a bit, especially with the deflation we saw when Justin Meram was subbed out. What a rally to gain a point on the road against the MLS is Back Tournament Champions.

Yes, there were some stupid mistakes, one most obviously leading to that first ugly goal from Chara. Really, though, this match was exactly what I’ve been wanting to see out of RSL for a long time. It was fun, fast paced, full of shots, and strategically involved, our substitutions playing pivotal roles in coming away with a point.

As I said after Colorado: we know how to defeat the Rapids. We haven’t fared so well against the Timbers since, what, 2013, when we dominated them over five matches in all competitions. They’ve really had our number since then, but we clawed our way back tonight and held on in hostile—if moderated by no fans—territory.

I want to see this style of play continue. Possession. Movement. Shots. It needs to be our identity going forward. An identity! Can we grasp it? It’s what we’ve needed for a long time.

Please be courteous and wear your masks.

Overreactions

I live in Salem, Oregon now. When Sam Johnson banged in that last goal, my wife and I were screaming out our cheers. The kid in the apartment upstairs was stomping and jumping in anger. It made the goal even better.

When will Diego Chara age? There’s a reason Portland can’t win when he doesn’t play.

I miss Nick Rimando.

It was nice to hear the tones of Nat Borchers on the Portland broadcast, though.