The San Jose Earthquakes and Portland Timbers have gotten off to similar slow starts to the 2019 season. After eight total matches, the two teams have accumulated one total point.
After an impressive preseason, in which the Timbers went 4-1-1 including wins over Costa Rican giants Saprissa, Sounders FC and Real Salt Lake, Portland has dropped each of their last three matches by a combined score of 9-2. Their lone point this season came by way of a 3-3 draw at Colorado on opening day.
The Timbers haven’t had it easy, however, as each of their first 12 matches this season are being played away from home due to construction at Providence Park. Most would agree that if they can stay afloat during this span, their new-and-improved home venue should make things quite interesting down the stretch.
Portland’s three consecutive losses came against LAFC (4-1), FC Cincinnati (3-0) and the LA Galaxy (2-1). All three of those teams currently find themselves top-five in their respective conferences.
On the field, the Timbers have struggled to get their offense going. After scoring three during the season opener, Portland has managed just two goals in their last three matches and none in the second halves. Regardless, the Timbers have a talented core that is sure to break out of their mini scoring slump at some point.
Argentine midfielder Diego Valeri remains the heart and soul of the club for the seventh consecutive season. His best campaign came in 2017, when he scored 21 goals en route to the MLS MVP award. He’s off to a terrific start again this year, assisting on three of the five Timbers’ goals to date, and scoring another. As Valeri goes, so does Portland.
Other players to watch for are Argentine midfielder Sebastian Blanco and U.S. U-23 forward Jeremy Ebobisse, who currently has a team-high two goals.
