Somehow, someway, the Portland Timbers and Caleb Porter continue to keep themselves in playoff contention. With their game played at home against RSL, picking up points was always an option.

It was an archetypal win, wasn’t it? 1-0 at home, early goal, defends as a unit, classic Timbers.

The team effort heading into this time of the year has been outstanding. Portland’s performances at home reflect the desire and will of the booming Timber’s Army voices filling Providence Park.

With more games left away from home, not a great sign considering their inability to win a single match away from home this season, the Timber’s need to start translating their game.

Caleb Porter has been tweaking the squad, attempting to squeeze any ounce of improvement that he can get out of his squad, and rightfully so.

Porter got creative with the lineup against RSL swinging Nagbe out wide to the right; a position Nagbe used to play.

Nagbe has benefited from being moved to center midfield since around this time last year. The Timber’s playoff push didn’t just coincidently begin to happen once Nagbe was able to control and imprint the match more in the center of the park.

And Nagbe is a different player than he was a year ago, he’s able to influence the game more than last season even if it’s not coming from his more favored position.

But with a number of injuries the Timbers are carrying, it would make little sense to move Jewsbury out wide. The skillset just wouldn’t be there.

Have the veteran assist in settling the middle of the field, and you can expect a clean and polished tactical performance from the fan favorite. His abilities wouldn’t do him any justice out wide, and therefore a sacrifice had to be made.

In the end, the lineup didn’t seem to hinder the Timbers much.

Caleb Porter may have found a line up with the correct balance in attack and offense to push through these last games of the season until injury reinforcements can come help for the playoffs.

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There were opportunities to put the match away anyways.

Valeri should have put away as assisted square ball from Adi in the 73rd minute. It was very unlike Valeri. He was open in space with only the keeper to beat but maybe didn’t have enough conviction when striking the ball.

Even in a one vs. one opportunity, you can’t underestimate Rimando. Rimando seems to keep RSL in every game and that what makes them so difficult to beat.

Powell started adding an offense element to his game. A fancy, quick and threatening double step over before cutting inside and letting it rip with his left foot.

The ball thunderously hit on the near post side netting. It was close, active and gave the Timbers a different possible outlet for goal.

Vytas was able to be released on a few plays down the left flank. Valeri sent him open down the side in the 70th minute.

Vytas coolly and collectively slotted the ball diagonally for Adi who was crashing into the box. Just the player you want getting on the end of a ball like that in the box.

Unfortunately, Adi should have scored, but the critical aspect of that play is all on Vytas.

Something both wingbacks have been struggling with lately. Not only getting into the attacking third but have enough poise to play the correct ball.

Both wingbacks are adding an offensive dimension to their overall game at a time when Porter is asking more of his players.

Good timing eh?

RCTID