Black And Red United - MLS 2013 Week 13 Complete Coverage - D.C. United vs. Portland Timbers and moreThey can't hold us back. We are United.https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47471/blackandred-fave.png2013-05-26T08:30:02-04:00http://www.blackandredunited.com/rss/stream/41225012013-05-26T08:30:02-04:002013-05-26T08:30:02-04:00The Last Word: We are all Torontonians now!
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<p>D.C. United fans should study up on Canada's largest and most cosmopolitan city, because our team has become Toronto FC. </p> <p>At the beginning of the 2012 Major League Soccer season, <a href="https://www.wakingthered.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Toronto FC</a> set a record for utility by losing their first nine matches. The Reds were roundly called one of the worst teams in MLS history at that point. In fact, one of their highly paid star players, <span>Danny Koevermans</span>, famously said they were "setting the record for the worst team in the world." After their first 12 games, TFC had won exactly one game and accumulated four points (with a total record of 1-10-1). How does this year's <a href="https://www.blackandredunited.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">D.C. United</a> team compare to last year's Toronto squad?</p>
<p>Following their 2-0 loss to the <a href="https://www.stumptownfooty.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Portland Timbers</a> on Saturday night in front of 14,131 "Bad Weather" fans (h/t to the District Ultras and La Norte) at RFK Stadium, D.C. United now has a 1-9-2 record after 12 matches for a total of one win and five points. Yes, United has one point more than TFC had at this point last season, <a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/results/2012">but in Round 12 last year, Toronto started a stretch in which they earned eight results in nine games </a>(4-1-4, 16 points). Is there any reason to believe D.C. United can match last year's Toronto team and get to 19 points after Round 20 (5-11-4)?</p>
<h3>What They Said:</h3>
<p>- <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/dc-united-is-shut-out-by-portland-timbers-2-0/2013/05/25/6f1fc2a4-c5a1-11e2-8c3b-0b5e9247e8ca_story.html">Steven Goff</a>: "Coach <span>Ben Olsen</span> seethed about his team's lack of toughness and again promised personnel changes. Captain <span>Dwayne De Rosario</span> voiced his anger about being benched and questioned Olsen's handling of the roster. Others spoke in soft, disappointed tones, gutted by another dreary performance."</p>
<p>- <a href="http://www.soccerbyives.net/2013/05/timbers-nightmare-continues.html">Pablo Maurer</a>: "More surprising than the final result were some of Olsen's lineup choices, most notably the omission of Dwayne De Rosario from the starting lineup, and the inclusion of <span>Carlos Ruiz</span>. It was Ruiz who earlier in the week went public with his complaints about playing time. Olsen responded by handing him a start, and benching former MLS MVP Dwayne De Rosario in the process. If Olsen's mood was dark, the angst in the locker room after the match was other-worldly. De Rosario, who entered the match mid-way through the second half, voiced his disapproval with his role as a second half sub. "[Olsen] doesn't think that me and Carlos can play on the same field together, so that's the way it is. I'm not happy about that," said De Rosario, who cracked a smile when asked whether he believed that he'd pair up well with Ruiz. "I think if you look at our track record as goal scorers, as creators, that's not a bad problem to have to try once.""</p>
<p>- <a href="http://www.blackandredunited.com/d-c-united-2013-season/2013/5/25/4366618/dc-united-vs-portland-timbers-score-recap-highlights">Adam Taylor</a>: "Remember that more fired up D.C. United side we saw last week against <a href="https://www.thebluetestament.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Sporting Kansas City</a>? The one that - while not quite as good at the soccer part of the game - was willing to scratch and claw to a point? Yeah, that team didn't show up this week, and the Black-and-Red saw their winless streak go to nine games as they lost a 2-0 home result to the Portland Timbers. As has been the case so often this year, United actually out-performed the victors in several statistical areas. D.C. outshot the Timbers, sent in more than twice as many open play crosses, won 56% of the duels, and controlled the majority of possession while matching the Timbers passing accuracy. But where United's defense made two unforgivable blunders, the Timbers defense did just enough to pressure D.C.'s attackers into blowing their chances."</p>
<p>- Be<a href="http://www.blackandredunited.com/d-c-united-2013-season/2013/5/25/4366618/dc-united-vs-portland-timbers-score-recap-highlights">n Olsen, vi</a>a <a href="http://www.dcunited.com/news/2013/05/post-match-quotes-may-25-2013">dcunited.com</a>: "It's embarrassing how soft we are, everywhere around the field. The lack of anger that a few of our guys play with, the lack of a chip on some of our guys' shoulders is mind-boggling to me. <span>Perry Kitchen</span>, <span>Nick DeLeon</span>? Any day of the week. Carlos Ruiz? Any day of the week. But I'll tell you what: we have a long way to go...We're not a good team right now. We now have a month of teams that are either middle or lower in the table, so now we'll match up against some competition that I think is a little bit more realistic for us right now, [and] hopefully we can start getting points from those teams. We have had a tough schedule. New York twice, Kansas City twice, Houston twice, Salt Lake, Portland, Dallas. These are all teams that are doing very well in the League, and we are not. So hopefully, we can make adjustments, get some guys in here to help and get points against some of these teams that are middle, lower in the table."</p>
<p>- Dwayne DeRosario, via <a href="http://www.dcunited.com/news/2013/05/post-match-quotes-may-25-2013">dcunited.com</a>: "There is talent in this locker room, but I don't know if they're using that talent to the best of its ability."</p>
<p>- <span>Ethan White</span>, via <a href="http://www.dcunited.com/news/2013/05/post-match-quotes-may-25-2013">dcunited.com</a>: "I'm not happy. I think we gave up two pretty soft goals that easily could have been dealt with. We created chances we didn't finish. I think we also got a little screwed over with the handball in the box, but we can't make excuses for ourselves. We didn't play the whole game like we should of. They kind of beat us up every now and then, throughout mainly the first half. I think we came out and put more chances on the goal in the second half and pushed them back, but I feel like we gave them the game."</p>
<p>- <span>Bill Hamid</span>, via <a href="http://www.dcunited.com/news/2013/05/post-match-quotes-may-25-2013">dcunited.com</a>: "It was just another poor team performance and it sucks, man. It feels like we're doing all we can, but we have chances and we don't put them away. Defensively, we're not doing well. I should have made some saves. I made some saves, but not enough. All around, I don't know. I feel like we're doing everything we can, but we're not coming off."</p>
<p>- <span>Chris Pontius</span>, via <a href="http://www.dcunited.com/news/2013/05/post-match-quotes-may-25-2013">dcunited.com</a>: "Unfortunately for me, I wasn't good enough tonight-just mistakes, missed chances. I look at myself first, and I didn't think I was good enough tonight."</p>
<p>- Portland Timbers Coach <span>Caleb Porter</span>, via <a href="http://www.dcunited.com/news/2013/05/post-match-quotes-may-25-2013">dcunited.com</a>: "We planned all week to be aware of [Dwayne De Rosario]. So it's a bit surprising. But you go into a lot of games and what you tell your team is here's what we think they're going to do, but often times the coach does something different. So once we get the start sheet we start to plug in the names and what we think they're going to do and our focus quickly moved from ‘Okay, we got to be aware of De Rosario' to ‘Now we've got to be aware of [Carlos] Ruiz,' because we knew Ruiz is a very good player [with] experience. And I actually thought he was a handful today."</p>
<h3>What I Say:</h3>
<p>In a season of dashed expectations with almost nothing positive to write about, <span>Kyle Porter</span> has become for me perhaps the most interesting player on the team. He was all over the field on Saturday night, running at defenders, creating chances, taking long distance shots, missing traps, taking every corner, taking free kicks, making errant passes, switching from the left to the right, spraying crosses all around (and out of) the box, and being the engine that drove D.C. United most of the night. In the end, it was to no effect as D.C. United was unable to score, but if the rest of the team were giving the same effort as Porter every game, you have to think things would be going better for the Black-and-Red.</p>
<p>Other bright spots? They remain few and far between, but certainly Carlos Ruiz brought a spark (but no goals) to the D.C. United attack against Portland. His combination play with Chris Pontius in the 12th minute was one of the more entertaining displays of creativity all season long for D.C. United, but in the end it didn't produce a goal. Perry Kitchen continued to look good in the middle of the field, and Nick DeLeon had flashes of real quality.</p>
<p>On the negative side, a team that was supposed to be defensively elite is utterly woeful. As many here on B&RU have commented, the play of the fullbacks is not good enough, and the continued lapses by the center backs result in goal after goal. There are other problems for sure, but getting the defense squared away immediately would provide this team a foundation from which to start producing results (even if that meant a long stretch of scoreless draws).</p>
<h3>The Last Word:</h3>
<p>Watch this video of Danny Koevermans talking about Toronto FC from last year. Close your eyes, and listen. He could be talking about D.C. United this season. It's almost indistinguishable.</p>
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<p>We are all Torontonians now.</p>
<p><i>Where does D.C. United go from here? How much longer can the ownership group go without making a big change? What will that change be? What should it be?</i></p>
https://www.blackandredunited.com/d-c-united-2013-season/2013/5/26/4366572/dc-united-vs-portland-timbers-2013-mls-may-last-word-rfkstephen.whiting2013-05-25T22:41:04-04:002013-05-25T22:41:04-04:00DCU 0-2 POR: Soft D and shoddy finishing doom DC
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<figcaption>Ned Dishman</figcaption>
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<p>Well, that sucked.</p> <p>Remember that more fired up <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blackandredunited.com/">D.C. United</a> side we saw last week against <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thebluetestament.com/">Sporting Kansas City</a>? The one that - while not quite as good at the soccer part of the game - was willing to scratch and claw to a point? Yeah, that team didn't show up this week, and the Black-and-Red saw their winless streak go to nine games as they lost a 2-0 home result to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.stumptownfooty.com/">Portland Timbers</a>.</p>
<p>As has been the case so often this year, United actually out-performed the victors in several statistical areas. D.C. outshot the Timbers, sent in more than twice as many open play crosses, won 56% of the duels, and controlled the majority of possession while matching the Timbers passing accuracy. But where United's defense made two unforgivable blunders, the Timbers defense did just enough to pressure D.C.'s attackers into blowing their chances.</p>
<p>The opener came off a throw in. Frédéric Piquionne received <span>Jack Jewsbury's</span> throw from the right side in the middle of the park and found <span>Rodney Wallace</span> all alone on the left edge of the box. <span>Brandon McDonald</span> and <span>Ethan White</span> failed to pressure Piquionne, and Korb was pinched too far inside to recover, and the former United fullback/midfielder finished just under the crossbar to give Portland a lead they wouldn't relinquish.</p>
<p>Portland's second was nothing short of shambolic. <span>Ryan Johnson</span> sent a looping ball from just inside United's half straight up the middle. <span>Darlington Nagbe</span> fought off United's defenders and touched his first-time shot past Hamid. <span>Ben Olsen</span> did not mince words in the post-game press conference, calling his defenders, and their defense, "soft." He wasn't wrong.</p>
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<p>On the better side of things, well, the weather was nice. Anybody counting on banking karma points might be pleased by the knowledge that los Capitalinos were denied a clear penalty when a a Portland player handled the ball in the box. United also created more chances than they have in recent weeks - of course that brings us to the piss poor finishing on display tonight. <span>Kyle Porter's</span> early chance on a counter resulted in an easy save for <span>Donovan Ricketts</span>. <span>Chris Pontius</span> sent a shot into orbit from inside the box. <span>Lionard Pajoy</span> wasted his breakaway chance, sending a powerful left-footed shot over the bar when the opportunity begged for a chip or one extra touch around the onrushing Ricketts.</p>
<p>Which brings us back to the negative - the only place this could go, really. May has not been a fun month to be a United fan.</p>
https://www.blackandredunited.com/d-c-united-2013-season/2013/5/25/4366618/dc-united-vs-portland-timbers-score-recap-highlightsAdam M Taylor2013-05-25T15:00:06-04:002013-05-25T15:00:06-04:00DCU vs. PTFC TV/streaming info & Gamethread
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<p>The Black-and-Red attempt to get well and truly off the schneid and end their eight-game winless streak against the visiting third-year club, which just happens to be riding a 10-match unbeaten streak of their own.</p> <p>Last week, <a href="https://www.blackandredunited.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">D.C. United</a> ended their seven-match losing streak against one of the tougher teams to do that against, and this week, they'll look to finally put a second tally in the win column against another difficult opponent. Tonight, United will host the <a href="https://www.stumptownfooty.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Portland Timbers</a>, who haven't lost since the third week of the season - coincidentally, the last time D.C. won a game. The symmetry is too perfect for the Black-and-Red not to win - right? Right?</p>
<p>Let's do this.</p>
<p><b>Venue:</b> The friendly, if bleak, confines of RFK Memorial Stadium, Washington, DC</p>
<p><b>Time:</b> 7 pm EDT</p>
<p><b>TV:</b> Comcast SportsNet within the DMV, MLS Live in the provinces, and Univision Deportes nationwide</p>
<p><b>Projected D.C. Lineup:</b> <span>Bill Hamid</span> between the sticks. With <span>Dejan Jakovic's</span> possible injury and <span>Daniel Woolard's</span> misadventures last week, I think we'll see some changes in the back four, with <span>Chris Korb</span>, <span>Ethan White</span>, <span>Brandon McDonald</span> and <span>Taylor Kemp</span> starting. <span>Nick DeLeon</span> will reprise his central role alongside <span>Perry Kitchen</span>, and the duo will line up behind the trio of <span>Kyle Porter</span>, <span>Dwayne De Rosario</span> and <span>Chris Pontius</span>. Up top, it's anyone's guess, but I'll go with recent history and guess that <span>Casey Townsend</span> gets the nod.</p>
<p><b>Prediction:</b> There will be goals. The only question is which side ends up with more. As with last week, I'm going to say, "screw it," and guess that United somehow finds a way to put a few into the net, good enough to win 3-2.</p>
<p><b>What Are You Drinking?:</b> Thanks to Jason Anderson (known better around these parts as ChestRockwell), ever since recording the latest episode of our <a href="http://www.blackandredunited.com/podcasts/2013/5/22/4355332/filibuster-podcast-week-13-hey-everybody-we-got-a-point-lets-get">Filibuster podcast</a> earlier this week, I've had rye IPA on the brain. Hopefully I'll find some on my way to our tailgate. Otherwise it'll be whichever Three Stripes or DC Brau growler my seat-mates bring along.</p>
<p>You know the drill: this is your spot for pre-game, in-game and post-game discussion.</p>
https://www.blackandredunited.com/d-c-united-2013-season/2013/5/25/4365196/portland-timbers-vs-dc-united-tv-live-streaming-schedule-lineups-gamethreadAdam M Taylor2013-05-24T13:26:39-04:002013-05-24T13:26:39-04:00Scouting Report: Portland Timbers
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<img alt="Will Johnson and the Portland Timbers have been celebrating a lot this season." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/8LEg766F14BSn2VUqYuw6TJ-Epc=/5x0:3995x2660/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/13603245/166650886.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Will Johnson and the Portland Timbers have been celebrating a lot this season. | Doug Pensinger</figcaption>
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<p>The Portland Timbers are being talked up as one of MLS's elite sides on the basis of their talented attack, their appealing style of play, and most of all their ten game unbeaten streak. However, D.C. United can hold out hope of breaking our own less desirable streak thanks to a Timbers defense that is more "top five draft pick" than "top five in the standings."</p> <p>The hits keep coming for <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blackandredunited.com/">D.C. United</a>. First, there was the nightmarish 4-0 loss to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dynamotheory.com/">Houston Dynamo</a> at a damp RFK Stadium. Next, United faced <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bigdsoccer.com/">FC Dallas</a> - top of the table at the time - on the road and, while playing something close to competently, still lost 2-1. Most recently, the Black-and-Red managed to avoid defeat for the first time since the Nixon administration, putting up a decent 70 minutes before hanging on for dear life to hold <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thebluetestament.com/">Sporting Kansas City</a> to a 1-1 draw.</p>
<p>The common element with all of these opponents is that they can't be ruled out as MLS Cup contenders a third of the way through the season. That's the case, too, for tomorrow's game against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.stumptownfooty.com/">Portland Timbers</a>. You might remember their last visit to RFK back in 2011 as one of the more intense encounters in club history. With our playoff hopes hanging in the balance (and Portland in more or less a similar spot), these two teams combined to attempt 24 shots from the 79th minute onward, a pace that makes indoor soccer look like baseball or golf. Somehow, neither team scored despite going close over and over again. I still don't know if I've recovered from Joseph Ngwenya's game efforts to avoid finishing on the doorstep into an empty net.</p>
<p>The current edition of PT<strike>F</strike>C is a different animal than John Spencer's group (and I'm not talking about the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUHa506DKdU">Blues Explosion</a>). Those sides had a bunch of bench-quality MLS players being used as starters, and what genuine talent there was ended up being misused. This one has pushed those players either down the bench where they belong or, more often, simply replaced them with better quality players.</p>
<p>Better quality players have been joined by a better quality head coach, as <span>Caleb Porter</span> has gotten his players to buy into his ideas more than Spencer ever did. The hype surrounding "Porterball" has overshadowed the fact that Portland has hardly re-invented the wheel. This isn't an innovative team; it's simply a team doing the right things correctly. Porter's main success has been psychological more than tactical. Unpopular GM Gavin Wilkinson asked his players to do many of the same things during his spell as interim head coach; the difference is that Porter has a much stronger roster and started with a clean slate.</p>
<p>The upgraded roster and the unity throughout the team has quickly borne fruit. The Timbers are unbeaten in 10 matches, with their last loss coming all the way back on March 9th. If that date rings a bell, it's because it's also the last time we won. They're not just doing it against pushovers, either: Wins over Houston, San Jose, and at Kansas City are wins any team would be proud of, while draws on the road against Seattle, Colorado, San Jose, and Dallas are also respectable.</p>
<p>The Timbers are getting those results despite playing with an attacking mindset every single game. This isn't a team that goes on the road to bunker down. That approach has resulted in goals coming from all angles. <span>Will Johnson</span> leads the team with five goals despite playing a holding midfield role, while <span>Ryan Johnson</span> (four), <span>Diego Valeri</span> (three), <span>Darlington Nagbe</span> (three), and <span>Rodney Wallace</span> (three) are all getting their fair share. With that many good scoring threats, it's no surprise that the Timbers have only been shut out once and have scored two or more goals in half of their games in 2013.</p>
<p>In fact, the Timbers have been so good going forward that you can seriously put their front six - the aforementioned Johnson, Nagbe, Valeri, and Wallace, plus combative defensive midfielder <span>Diego Chara</span> - up against any in MLS. The combination of skill on the ball, movement off it, and their ability to force turnovers with pressure is very impressive.</p>
<p>There's a funny thing about soccer, though: You can't just be good up front and in the midfield. The Timbers have a glaring weakness in the back, where none of their first-choice defenders would have a prayer of starting for the other elite MLS clubs. In fact, only <span>Michael Harrington</span> would start for most second-tier sides. The Timbers may play attacking, high-pressure soccer on principle, but they also play it because they have to find some way to protect their weak defense.</p>
<p>Portland figures that you're probably going to score on them - five teams have managed two or more goals on Portland thus far - so they better score more on you. It's fun to watch, but the fact is that teams that can stand up to or disrupt their attack will probably win most games due to a defense that would look right at home down at our end of the table.</p>
<p>Lost in all the hype about Portland's success thus far is the fact that they aren't actually winning that often (four wins out of twelve games). They also tend to leave games hanging in the balance. They've given up two late equalizers already, while also scoring three result-changing goals after the 75th minute. United is going to have to use the same mentality that we saw glimpses of last week, when KC made the game feel like we were getting killed when it was still just 1-1. The Timbers outplaying United for stretches is highly likely, but that's no reason to get discouraged or start playing it too "safe" (i.e. defending deep, playing long ball, etc). Teams that play "safe" against Portland end up getting burned.</p>
<p>In terms of formation, Porter's team is often said to be in a 433, but this is simply untrue. They're not the only MLS team to oddly claim to be in a 433 when they're clearly not (a trend started by Steve Nicol a few years ago). In actuality, Portland plays what is very obviously a 4231:</p>
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<p>The big issue is in central defense. Portland has already lost <span>Mikael Silvestre</span> to a torn ACL and <span>David Horst</span> to a broken leg, and will come to RFK without one-time United trialist Mamadou "Futty" Danso - you're welcome Timbers - due to a DOGSO red card against Vancouver last week. Danso will likely be replaced by new signing <span>Pa Modou Kah</span> (a Norwegian national team player born in Gambia) or even newer signing <span>Rauwshan McKenzie</span>, formerly of RSL and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://delete.sbnprivate.com/">Chivas USA</a>.</p>
<p>Kah made Portland's bench last week after receiving his ITC and work visa, while McKenzie has been on trial with the Timbers on and off for months now, so both are at least somewhat familiar with their new teammates. Either way, what was already a shaky center back pairing now has an element of unfamiliarity. United needs to make sure to attack the middle often. That means <span>Dwayne De Rosario</span> needs to be more of a threat, but it also means that our wingers need to cut inside on the dribble. It's also an invitation for <span>Nick DeLeon</span> to jump into the attack, either to go to goal himself or to set up more give-and-go combinations at the top of the box than we usually produce.</p>
<p>Nagbe left last week's game in the first half after falling awkwardly, but over at <a href="http://www.stumptownfooty.com/2013/5/23/4360374/portland-timbers-vs-dc-united-match-preview-beware-the-underdog">Stumptown Footy</a> they seem to think he'll be good to go tomorrow. The question marks here are more about the constant position-swapping he and Valeri engage in. Valeri has spent his career as a central playmaker, but Porter has started him out on the right several times.</p>
<p>Their positioning at the start probably isn't that important, since they'll just rotate back and forth so often. Tracking this movement and adjusting accordingly, as well as avoiding bad habits like ball-watching and leaving gaps (for Valeri to pass through and/or for Nagbe to attack on the dribble) are vital. That said, if Nagbe is held out, look for <span>Kalif Alhassan</span> to come in and play on the right full-time with Valeri staying in the middle. Jose Valencia is also an option after scoring a late equalizer against the Whitecaps, but Porter seems to see the young Colombian as a super-sub only at this point. Striker Frederic Piquionne has also played on the right wing from time to time, but it seems unlikely that Porter will ask the aging veteran to log a starter's minutes out wide.</p>
<p>Something that should jump out when looking at the above diagram is that the Timbers don't play with a true anchor midfielder like just about everyone else does. Neither Chara or W. Johnson are suited for the job, as both are much better at being dynamic and are more comfortable doing their work by out-running rather than out-thinking their opponent.</p>
<p>As such, Porter lets both push further up and join the high press. The Timbers would rather win the ball higher up the field anyway, so he leaves it to the two holding players to sort out who will step further up field and who will stay home. Usually that's Johnson, who seems to be reveling in having a bit more of a license to attack than he did at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.rslsoapbox.com/">Real Salt Lake</a> (where his role as "left midfielder" often translated to playing alongside <span>Kyle Beckerman</span> in central midfield while <span>Javier Morales</span> and Andy Williams or <span>Ned Grabavoy</span> was allowed to attack).</p>
<p>Both players are similar in a lot of ways. They're both on the smaller side - Chara is probably only 5'6" - but are still strong, physical players. Both love to get stuck in perhaps a little too much, as Chara tends to pick up yellow cards too often while Johnson absolutely loves being a provocateur. At RSL there seemed to be a leash on that instinct to be a heel, but Porter's Timbers are more brash and up front.</p>
<p>As a result, Johnson is the player you are most likely to boo or yell obscenities at, because he'll be trying to provoke United players all game long and has been known to taunt opposing fans after scoring (see: last week). The former quality in his game is one to keep an eye on, because Johnson is great at avoiding the wrath of referees. He seems to have a sixth sense about when he can expose his studs or flail a forearm into someone's face on a header without getting the card that should come with it.</p>
<p>For United, it's absolutely crucial to not fall in for any of that stuff, because Johnson does it by design. He wants opponents to retaliate and to lose focus on the soccer side of things and get wrapped up in the battle. This Timbers team is too good for DCU to lose focus or pick up avoidable yellow cards.</p>
<p>Former United defender/midfielder and local product Rodney Wallace is finally being used correctly full-time as a left winger in Portland. In DC, Wallace had his best moments on the left side of our 3412; as a left back in a 442, his positioning was always an issue. When Tom Soehn, out of desperation, used him as a defensive midfielder, he gave the ball away far too often.</p>
<p>Closer to goal and out of the middle, Wallace's weaknesses are not much of an issue. His risky passing is not a problem being high up in the attack, where you're supposed to gamble with the ball. His defensive positioning doesn't become an issue as much because he's got two layers behind him to cover for his mistakes. Meanwhile, being a true winger allows Wallace's ability as a goal threat to shine through.</p>
<p>Watching Portland throughout the season, it's clear that they've worked on some simple but hard to stop movements to free Wallace up in the box. The Timbers are strongly right-sided in the attack due to the skill of Valeri and Nagbe, which means Wallace is often making the second run off of R. Johnson up top. Normally, that would mean Johnson going near post and Wallace coming in at the back post, but Portland doesn't play it so straightforward. At least half of the time, Wallace makes a hard run across goal to the near post, while Johnson either stays central or drifts to the back post.</p>
<p>It's a simple movement, but the speed and conviction Wallace makes it with has caused trouble for plenty of teams. United's defense will need to be very sharp in terms of anticipation and communication, either with <span>Chris Korb</span> following the run all the way from our right side or a center back picking Wallace up as his run comes through the middle. All the while, United needs someone else to stick with Johnson, who is better at finishing in the air than he is on the ground.</p>
<p>Portland's game is all about being on the front foot, so the first 20 minutes will be even more important than usual. The Timbers have the skill and speed to convert an early 1-0 lead into plenty of chances on the counter, and they can also play a more patient style based on long spells of possession (thus forcing opponents to run themselves to death). However, teams that survive the opening spell tend to find a frustrated Timbers side. It was no major shock to me to see Vancouver weather the storm and then produce a goal soon thereafter; this is a stretch of the game where Portland is vulnerable. United finally got through the opening portion of a game without conceding last week; this week it's time to build on that.</p>
<p>The Timbers are an interesting contrast to Sporting KC. Both teams are built around pressure, but the execution is different. KC is not at all subtle about what they're doing, pressuring higher than any team in MLS and relying on brute strength and physicality to make it work. Portland's press isn't as withering, nor do they have the brawn to win a ton of physical challenges.</p>
<p>Instead, PT<strike>F</strike>C's first line of pressure sets up the second wave in the midfield, which is where they force most of their turnovers. It's simple math: KC will push a line of three followed by another group of three or four depending on the fullbacks, while Portland will usually be able to call on five or even six in their second level (see why I insisted that the Timbers aren't in a 433?). Portland has more skill spread throughout their front six than KC, who are rather reliant on <span>Graham Zusi</span> to make things work. With the Timbers, it can be pretty much anyone playing the important pass; only Wallace has below-average technical ability for an attacking player.</p>
<p>Going forward, United can't just focus on the center backs. <span>Jack Jewsbury</span> is probably the slowest first-choice fullback in MLS, and forcing him to do a lot of 1v1 defending and a lot of chasing on balls over the top would be great. We've seen Houston pick on us repeatedly by attacking the now-retired <span>Robbie Russell</span>, and this is a similar situation. On the other side, Harrington looks beatable when exposed, but gets lots of help from W. Johnson and Wallace. United should look to spread things around, but more emphasis should be placed on getting after Jewsbury and the center backs than they do on trying to find a way to attack Harrington.</p>
<p>This game may end up as a test of character for United. Portland believes they're good enough to be worthy of their ten game unbeaten streak, and that usually matters a hell of a lot more than whether that's actually true. Belief can carry a team further than they should be reasonably capable of, in case you've forgotten what United did last fall. Even with our improved team defending and the boost in quality we've seen in the last two games going forward, this will be a very tough game to succeed in if we don't continue to grow in terms of mentality. Portland will test United on the mental side of things (especially focus and composure). Those are problems we've had all season, but we're getting better. This is a chance to make the next step.</p>
https://www.blackandredunited.com/dc-united-formations-tactics/2013/5/24/4362106/dc-united-vs-portland-timbers-scouting-report-will-johnson-rodney-wallace-caleb-porterJason Anderson2013-05-24T10:13:47-04:002013-05-24T10:13:47-04:00When Last We Met... the Portland Timbers
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<figcaption>Jonathan Ferrey</figcaption>
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<p>As we prepare for tomorrow's match-up between the Black-and-Red and the visiting Timbers, we look back at the last time the two teams met - last fall in Portland, where a controversial penalty gave D.C. the lead before United eventually succumbed to persistently shoddy defending and were forced to settle for the draw.</p> <p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blackandredunited.com/">D.C. United</a> had lost their best player just a few weeks earlier, <span>Dwayne De Rosario</span> suffering a likely season-ending knee injury while on Canadian national team duty. But they'd come together through the adversity and run off three straight wins, including one on the road, to fight their way back into playoff contention. Then came this West Coast trip to face the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.stumptownfooty.com/">Portland Timbers</a>. By this point, most of us knew what <span>Ben Olsen</span> had in store: lots of defending and looking to steal a goal at the other end. It had worked in Philadelphia two weeks prior, and for a while, it looked like it was going to work at Jeld-Wen Field, too.</p>
<p>After surviving a shaky first half allowed too many Timbers chances, United's luck struck at the hour mark. <span>Perry Kitchen</span> received a throw in deep in the right corner and sent a cross in for <span>Lionard Pajoy</span> at the top of the six-yard box. <span>David Horst</span> rose up to contest the cross, throwing his left arm out to gain more height on his jump. Kitchen's cross grazed the underside of Horst's outstretched arm, and both Kitchen and Pajoy immediately appealed for hand ball. After some delay, it was given, and <span>Chris Pontius</span> stepped up to convert the penalty, giving United a mostly undeserved lead.</p>
<p>It wasn't to last, though.A series of miscues from <span>Andy Najar</span> in the 79th minute gave <span>Bright Dike</span> the opportunity to equalize, and the Nigerian international found the roof of <span>Bill Hamid's</span> net from close range to do just that. United would escape with a point, establishing the midpoint of what would be the Black-and-Red's season-closing 7-match unbeaten run on their way to a second-place finish in the Eastern Conference. Portland would finish outside of the playoff positions.</p>
<p>This time, though, despite being much earlier in the season, the tables are turned. The Timbers are riding a 10-game unbeaten streak, making <span>Caleb Porter's</span> "They will not beat us" mantra stick, while United haven't won in nine games, eight of them losses. But the team from Rose City have yet to beat the capital club since joining MLS in 2011. Here's hoping only that last run will continue tomorrow night.</p>
<p>What do you remember most from last season's meeting? Will it have any effect on tomorrow? Have your say in the comments.</p>
https://www.blackandredunited.com/d-c-united-2013-season/2013/5/24/4362172/portland-timbers-vs-dc-united-2012-highlights-when-last-we-metAdam M Taylor2013-05-23T10:00:04-04:002013-05-23T10:00:04-04:00Behind Enemy Lines with Stumptown Footy
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<p>In which we exchange questions with a Portland blogger to get a handle on what the Timbers are doing right and United are doing wrong.</p> <p>We're always eager to find the scoop on other teams in MLS, particularly when our boys in black will be playing them. In that spirit, we exchanged a few questions with Geoff Gibson in advance of <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blackandredunited.com/">D.C. United's</a> match this Saturday against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.stumptownfooty.com/">Portland Timbers</a>. He's the managing editor at SB Nation's beyond excellent Timbers site, <a href="http://www.stumptownfooty.com" target="_blank">Stumptown Footy</a>. My answers to his questions about the Black-and-Red are below, but first, his answers to mine.</p>
<h3>Questions for Stumptown Footy</h3>
<p><b>1. As you might know, D.C. United made a run at <span>Caleb Porter</span> a few years ago before settling on Curt Onalfo, which led to a season we don't like to talk about around these parts. How are you liking the new coach and his system out there?</b></p>
<p>He's very popular so far here in Portland. While his first season hasn't been perfect, a 10 game unbeaten streak is certainly nothing to scoff at. Most of all, however, I think most fans just enjoy his style of soccer. High possession, high passing, high pressure style formations and games are just fun to watch. I think, most of all, that's what people want. They want to be entertained. A winning team is good as well, but if they're not playing games that are exciting to watch and people aren't enjoying them then does it really make sense for a club as a whole? I'm not sure.</p>
<p>I would say it's almost a shame that D.C. United didn't get Porter back then, but I also don't know if he would really be the same kind of coach he is today. Staying at Akron and working with the USMNT U-23s probably allowed him to hone his style a bit more before coming to MLS.</p>
<p><b>2. Unless I've been reading things incorrectly the last couple weeks, it sounds an awful lot like the Timbers are using former D.C. United and University of Maryland fullback/midfielder <span>Rodney Wallace</span> as an outside forward. What gives?</b></p>
<p>He is apparently really good at it. As is well known by this point, John Spencer traded <span>Dax McCarty</span> to DC United for Rodney Wallace and slotted him in the left back position where we all thought he was able to play best. That was apparently way off. Upon taking over the team, Porter put him in the left attacking forward position and he's been a revelation. He's getting goals. He's getting assists. He's generally causing havoc and mayhem down that left side. It would appear that few right backs are actually capable of dealing with him effectively. I'm hesitant to say it's 100% going to happen, but at this pace, if he's able to keep it up, in a couple years I can certainly see Wallace becoming one of the best left wingers in the league.</p>
<p><b>3. Where do PTFC's goals usually come from? It seems like the last several opponents United have faced have thrived on one of the Black-and-Red's biggest weaknesses: set piece defense. Will we finally get a break on that front?</b></p>
<p>All over really. This isn't a team built around a target striker or a single person. Instead, you have the entire team playing a high possession, high passing game as they work their way up the field. <span>Ryan Johnson</span>, <span>Will Johnson</span>, <span>Diego Valeri</span>, <span>Darlington Nagbe</span>, Rodney Wallace all have 3+ goals to their names so far. I think it helps that there are no gloryhogs. Ryan Johnson, while he plays as a traditional forward, is more likely to pass it off if he sees another player with a better chance than he has at the moment. I think that's important and it's something that the Timbers have never had before.</p>
<h3>Questions for B&RU</h3>
<p><b>1. So what's going on with D.C. United? After an impressive run last year, I don't think anybody expected this. How is <span>Ben Olsen</span> handling this struggling side?</b></p>
<p><b></b>A lot of people certainly had pegged United to make some noise in the Eastern Conference and contend for the top spot. Some thought that was overambitious even after last season's late run into the playoffs. But the degree to which this team stinks is beyond surprising. Olsen has tried changing out the strikers - going from <span>Lionard Pajoy</span> to Rafael to <span>Casey Townsend</span>. He's played with the formation - going from a double-pivot lone striker setup to a diamond midfield to a Kansas City-lite 4-1-4-1 and back again. He's pulled starters and then pulled the backups. He's yelled and screamed in the locker room and used the press to motivate his guys. For the past two months, nothing seemed to be working. But a competent performance in the loss at Dallas and the the home draw against "Team We Never Beat" <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thebluetestament.com/">Sporting Kansas City</a> that followed it are hopefully the first steps out of the abyss for the Black-and-Red.</p>
<p><b>2. What's going on with Dwayne DeRosario? The Former MLS MVP seems to be unable to contribute this year so far, why is that?</b></p>
<p><b></b>DeRo started out slowly last year, too, going several games before finding the net for his first tally of the season. But this year is different. In 2012, he was creating goals for teammates and racking up assists, but not so much this season. His 1v1 take-ons aren't coming off this year. His slashing runs aren't being found by teammates as often, and when they are, his touch or his speed is letting him down. Referees aren't giving him the calls on niggling fouls that he might have gotten in years past. Basically, some of it appears to be that he's lost a half a step since his injury that put him on the sideline late last year, and he hasn't fully adjusted to it yet. Some of the rest is down to bad luck, and De Rosario probably has had more shots cleared off the goal line than almost anybody in the league this year. If he can adjust his game that little bit to compensate - and with his soccer IQ, there's little reason to think he won't be able to - we should see his production increase, even if not to his 2011 MVP levels.<br clear="all"><br><b>3. Who are some of DCU's impact players than Timbers fans might not know of? Who are they? What kind of damage can we expect them to create?</b></p>
<p><b></b>Impact players? What are those? United have scored six goals in 11 games this year. Six. A number so small, the style guide requires me to write it out. Impact players are something we could use more of.</p>
<p>That said, United's brightest stars are both defensively minded: U.S. international goalkeeper <span>Bill Hamid</span> and his Olympic qualifying teammate <span>Perry Kitchen</span>, a young defensive midfielder who decided to become a BAMF over the winter. Going forward, the best guy you haven't heard of is <span>Kyle Porter</span>, who scored United's equalizer last weekend against the Sporks. He's a Canadian winger with one cap for his national team. On a D.C. side lacking in aggression and full of guys who haven't wanted to take defenders on or bear responsibility for scoring, the former Edmonton FC player has stepped up: he combines well with teammates, looks to take players on and always has scoring a goal on his mind.</p>
https://www.blackandredunited.com/d-c-united-2013-season/2013/5/23/4358440/portland-timbers-vs-dc-united-preview-behind-enemy-lines-stumptown-footyAdam M Taylor2013-05-23T07:30:05-04:002013-05-23T07:30:05-04:00Week 13 Schedule, TV info & predictions
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<figcaption>Scott Halleran</figcaption>
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<p>Nine games on the slate this week in Major League Soccer. Find all the match-ups and where you can see them right here.</p> <p>Last week, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.blackandredunited.com/">D.C. United</a>, while not having an objectively good week with a home draw, enjoyed the best week the team has had in a couple of months. Our own Stephen Whiting, though, had himself a very good week, nailing <strike>70%</strike> 60% of the available points and moving past ChestRockwell and into the lead in our predictions contest. We have all the deets on this week's action for you, but first, we'll check in on that predictions league to see where things stand.</p>
<p id="paragraph1"><b>Week 12 Scores</b> (possible 10)<b>: </b>Adam: 3 points | Chest: 4 pts | Benuski: 5 pts | Stephen: <strike>7</strike> 6 pts</p>
<p id="paragraph2"><b>Total Scores</b> (possible 110)<b>: </b>Adam: 41 pts | Chest: 44 pts | Benuski: 40 pts | Stephen: <strike>47</strike> 46 pts</p>
<p>I'm choosing not to talk about my own predictions last week and instead turning to Week 13. Here goes.</p>
<p><b>Sat. May 25, 7 pm: D.C. United vs. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.stumptownfooty.com/">Portland Timbers</a> - Comcast SportsNet (local), MLS Live (local blackout), Univision Deportes<br></b>Adam: DCU. Chest: DCU. Benuski: DCU. Stephen: DCU.</p>
<p>Portland has never beaten United, and while we can't carry past results onto the field and make them help us play this weekend, it's good enough of a reason to follow my heart instead of my head. Opponent dealing with cross-country travel FTW. -Chest</p>
<p><b>Sat. May 25, 7 pm: <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.mountroyalsoccer.com/">Montreal Impact</a> vs. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brotherlygame.com/">Philadelphia Union</a> - MLS Live<br></b>Adam: MTL. Chest: Draw. Benuski: MTL. Stephen: MTL.</p>
<p>I'd feel a lot more confident about this pick if JackMac wasn't tearing up MLS defenses, but give me Montreal. -Stephen</p>
<p><b>Sat. May 25, 7:30 pm: <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thebentmusket.com/">New England Revolution</a> vs. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.wakingthered.com/">Toronto FC</a> - MLS Live<br></b>Adam: NE. Chest: NE. Benuski: NE. Stephen: NE.</p>
<p>Kevin Payne's new team is doing just as well as his old team! -Benuski</p>
<p><b>Sat. May 25, 8:30 pm: <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bigdsoccer.com/">FC Dallas</a> vs. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.centerlinesoccer.com/">San Jose Earthquakes</a> - MLS Live<br></b>Adam: FCD. Chest: FCD. Benuski: FCD. Stephen: FCD.</p>
<p>The Quakes just launched their <a href="http://www.sjearthquakes.com/newstadium/webcam" target="_blank">stadium construction webcam</a>. I swear I'm picking Dallas because I think they'll hold serve at home against the fallen-back-to-earth Supporters' Shield holders and not just because I'm bitter and jealous of San Jose. Well, maybe a little bit of bitterness, but mostly the Dallas being better thing. -Adam</p>
<p><b>Sat. May 25, 9 pm: <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.burgundywave.com/">Colorado Rapids</a> vs. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://delete.sbnprivate.com/">Chivas USA</a> - MLS Live<br></b>Adam: COL. Chest: COL. Benuski: COL. Stephen: COL.</p>
<p>Oscar Pareja should be on your coach of the year shortlist given the merely adequate talent available and an absurd early-season injury crisis. El Chelis, meanwhile, should be a hot favorite for the "coach I'd want to have a beer with" award. -Chest</p>
<p><b>Sat. May 25, 9 pm: <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.rslsoapbox.com/">Real Salt Lake</a> vs. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.hottimeinoldtown.com/">Chicago Fire</a> - MLS Live<br></b>Adam: RSL. Chest: RSL. Benuski: RSL. Stephen: RSL.</p>
<p>Jason Kreis' team is at home, in the altitude, hosting a team in the Fire with the same number of goals - and a worse road goal differential - than D.C. United. If anybody picks Chicago and gets it right, your job is to immediately buy all the lottery tickets and share your winnings with the rest of us. -Adam</p>
<p><b>Sun. May 26, 3:30 pm: <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thebluetestament.com/">Sporting Kansas City</a> vs. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dynamotheory.com/">Houston Dynamo</a> - NBC Sports Network<br></b>Adam: SKC. Chest: Draw. Benuski: SKC. Stephen: SKC.</p>
<p>The suddenly vulnerable Houston Dynamo aren't actually vulnerable, but they will lose to the Sporks in KC. -Benuski</p>
<p><b>Sun. May 26, 5 pm: <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.onceametro.com/">New York Red Bulls</a> vs. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.massivereport.com/">Columbus Crew</a> - MLS Live, UniMas<br></b>Adam: NY. Chest: NY. Benuski: NY. Stephen: NY.</p>
<p>Eagerly awaiting the incident or incidents that cause the inevitable NYRB meltdown. 0 trophies from now until the earth is destroyed by whatever will kill off our species. -Chest</p>
<p><b>Sun. May 26, 11 pm: <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lagconfidential.com/">LA Galaxy</a> vs. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.sounderatheart.com/">Seattle Sounders</a> - ESPN2<br></b>Adam: LAG. Chest: LAG. Benuski: LAG. Stephen: SEA.</p>
<p>What's wrong with the Galaxy? Are they suffering a hangover from Chelsea's re-signing of <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110218/frank-lampard">Frank Lampard</a>? -Stephen</p>
<p>*<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>*<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>*</p>
<p>Did you do as well as Stephen with your picks last week? Let us know and give us your predictions for Week 13 in the comments.</p>
https://www.blackandredunited.com/mls/2013/5/23/4357102/mls-week-13-schedule-tv-live-streaming-predictionsAdam M Taylor2013-05-22T10:25:27-04:002013-05-22T10:25:27-04:00Filibuster Pod: We got a point! We got a point!
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<p>This week, we review of D.C. United's 1-1 draw against Sporting Kansas City and preview the upcoming visit from the Portland Timbers, and we check in on post-game audio from Ben Olsen, goalscorer Kyle Porter and assist man Chris Pontius.</p> <p>For the first time in a couple months, we can't say "another week, another loss" for <a href="https://www.blackandredunited.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">D.C. United</a>. Last weekend, the Black-and-Red took their first step forward in some weeks, earning a home draw to <a href="https://www.thebluetestament.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Sporting Kansas City</a>. That leads off this week's episode of Filibuster - the Black & Red United podcast. We also check in for post-game audio with head coach <span>Ben Olsen</span>, goalscoerer <span>Kyle Porter</span> and returning-from-injury midfielder <span>Chris Pontius</span>. This week also features our preview of United's Memorial Day weekend clash with the <a href="https://www.stumptownfooty.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Portland Timbers</a>, who have transformed themselves into a formidable attacking side under first-year head coach (and one-time United target) <span>Caleb Porter</span>. We close out with a bit of levity at the expense of the unfortunately named New York City FC, MLS' just-announced 20th club, which will start play in 2015.</p>
<p>Thanks, as always for listening. Get in touch with us with any questions, comments, concerns or anything else via Twitter - <a href="http://www.twitter.com/FilibusterDCU" target="_blank">@FilibusterDCU</a> - or by emailing us at <a href="mailto:filibusterpodcast@gmail.com">filibusterpodcast@gmail.com</a>. Or just leave a comment on this post.</p>
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<p><a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/filibuster-black-red-united/id512096585">iTunes Link</a> | <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/FilibusterDCU">RSS Feed</a></p>
<p>Our theme song is <i>Pocket</i> by Beau Finley, used with permission.</p>
<p><i>Finally, a quick heads up: there are going to be some back-end changes at Filibuster in the near future - just as soon as we find some time to take care of a few transitional issues. It will hopefully be a seamless transition, and we'll let you know more when it happens, but consider this an early warning of some changes on the technical side.</i></p>
https://www.blackandredunited.com/podcasts/2013/5/22/4355332/filibuster-podcast-week-13-hey-everybody-we-got-a-point-lets-getAdam M Taylor