2019 REVIEW

Well, let’s just say that did not quite go according to plan. Ideally, the plan was this: survive the epic road trip to begin the season, then do a 2018 DC United and ride a tsunami of home games in front of the Timbers Army to a high seed in the Western Conference and a home playoff game or two.

For a while, it even looked like it was working. Portland did better than most expected, earning 4 wins and 2 draws against 6 losses on their road trip to pick up 14 points from 12 games.

As recently as September 7, Portland sat just 3 points outside of 2nd place, with a game in hand and 5 of 6 remaining games at home. No problem, right? Just Lock up that #2 seed. Or not. Portland won just 1 of their last 6 games and slid into 6th place in the West. Not exactly ideal, but this is MLS, and the Timbers rode a 5 seed into an MLS Cup Final appearance last year, so not all hope is lost.

Here’s a quick look back at the 2019 season and some keys to the Timbers' success, if they hope to have a repeat appearance in MLS Cup.

TEAM STATISTICS

Possession: 49.9% (11th in MLS)

Passes Per Game: 498 (10th in MLS)

xGoals For: 51.6 (5th in MLS)

xGoals Against: 51.7 (20th in MLS)

The Timbers really did try to copy DC United’s 2018 recipe, opening a newly renovated Providence Park and bringing in a big-money forward. Brian Fernandez lit the world on fire for a bit, scoring 6 goals in his first 5 games, but managed just 5 goals in his next 14 appearances. Fernandez entered the league’s Substance Abuse and Behavioral Health program in early October, so it appears that he will not be part of any Timbers’ playoff run.

Otherwise, Portland’s attack was led by familiar names in Diego Valeri and Sebastian Blanco, as well as a surprise contribution from Jeremy Ebobisse. The beginning of the season appeared to be Ebobisse’s chance to prove himself, and many wondered if he would maintain his spot in the lineup once Fernandez arrived. He did, playing 2490 minutes and contributing 11 goals and 1 assist.



Here are the Timbers top 6 players by expected goals plus expected assists in 2019: