Photo: Daniel Gajdamowicz

It’s hard to imagine a match that features two more contrasting styles than Philadelphia vs. Portland.

In one short, half-season, Caleb Porter has transformed the Timbers into a quick passing, interchanging machine for possession. Even without Rodney Wallace, arguably Portland’s most dangerous one-on-one attacker, the Timbers brought plenty of firepower to trouble the Union defense.

The hosts countered with a style that has more and more become their calling card. Long balls out of the back and wide balls from the midfield look to spring their two wingers, who it’s almost impossible to call midfielders given their style of play and the location on the pitch where they operate.

The Union “System”

Since the club’s inception, the lack of anything even resembling a consistent system kept Peter Nowak from getting the most out of his side. Watching the Timbers play “Porter Ball” further reinforces that fact, considering that while this Portland team has played as a unit for only about 5 months, they have the chemistry of an elite club.

And what of the Union? Have they finally found their system under John Hackworth?

Supporters and members of the media may hem and haw about the Union’s lack of a fluid, consistent style, but one year into his tenure, Hackworth has showed his cards. The Union are a long ball team. Sit back, absorb pressure and counterattack. With Brian Carroll operating more as a de facto third centerback, the Union have a back 5 and a front 4. Whether it is Michael Farfan, Keon Daniel or Kleberson who wander the 40-yard void between these two lines matters little.

Against Portland, the Union lost the possession battle 60-40, while being outpassed 386-253. It would be hard to argue that the Union did not have the better of the chances, however. Whether it was Danny Cruz’s late first half flurry where he nearly teed up Sebastien Le Toux twice before ripping his own drive to the back post or Casey’s top shelf strike that Ricketts only just got his fingers to, the Union generated the better chances to win the game. Add in Leo Fernandes’ late volley off the post, and it is easy to point to a handful of truly dangerous chances for the home side, while Portland was reduced to forcing MacMath into two kick saves and a couple of daring sprints off his line.

Not only do Portland Timbers have the chemistry of an elite MLS club, they are an elite MLS club.

The Union may be living on a knife’s edge when it comes to leaving their fullbacks isolated with alarming frequency or allowing opponents to run at them through midfield, but results speak for themselves.

It’s not pretty, but in an Eastern Conference where teams spurn chances to win games with head shaking frequency, it will keep the Union relevant right down to the wire.

Player Ratings

Zac MacMath – 7

If the his stoppage time spill against Dallas was a season low point, his performance against Portland was a fourth straight positive step. Quick and courageous off his line, he made the critical close range saves and handled low, skidding balls with aplomb. Even seemed to step up vocally, as he could be seen bellowing at his defense, imploring them to step higher to engage the Timbers in midfield.

Sheanon Williams – 7

Another player stringing together some strong showings after an inauspicious start to the campaign, Williams kept Ryan Johnson under his thumb almost by his lonesome. Against a team as dangerous as Portland, cutting off one flank from the attack took loads of pressure off the rest of the back line, allowing them to focus their attentions elsewhere.

Amobi Okugo – 6

Made a number of critical interventions, while dealing well with the threat posed by Piquionne’s physicality. Struggled in his chemistry with Parke as Okugo wanted to engage higher up the field, while his center back partner seemed to have other ideas.

Jeff Parke – 5

While he made a number of important interceptions and clearances from the back, Parke looked off his game, with the veteran defender growing easily frustrated with Portland’s physicality. Parke loses a point for his persistent arguing with referee Salazar, especially in one early instance where he took himself out of position, allowing the Timbers to try a quick free kick.

Ray Gaddis – 5

Gaddis’ trial by fire continued against Portland as Darlington Nagbe proved another incredibly tough assignment for the first year left back. While he acquitted himself well against Nagbe, he struggled to deal with the overloading numbers the Timbers threw at him. Whether it was the overlapping Jack Jewsbury or Diego Valeri and Ben Zemanski sliding out wide, Gaddis was seemingly always at a numeric disadvantage, with his midfield help MIA.

Sebastien Le Toux – 5

Le Toux certainly put in plenty of work on Saturday night. Unfortunately though, it was mostly of the inefficient, heavy-footed variety, and he never looked like finding his stride against Michael Harrington. Also, his set piece delivery made Union fans think back to 2011, and not in a good way.

Michael Farfan – 5

The only Union midfielder with any interest in ball possession, Farfan did well to sit in the middle of the pitch and spread the ball around. Forced to deal with both Chara and Will Johnson in midfield, Farfan added a physicality that was lacking from his midfield mates. Despite being yanked for Leo Fernandes, still finished the match with the most passes of any Union player as well as better defensive stats than Brian Carroll.

Brian Carroll – 4

Weak in the tackle and caught running around too often, the Union captain didn’t have his A game against Portland. Was too easily pushed around by Valeri and struggled to shield his back line from the Portland attack.

Danny Cruz – 4

Mixed 10 extremely effective minutes into an otherwise anonymous performance. After being flattened by Ricketts, Cruz turned on the jets with one run that yielded a dangerous cross. On a subsequent play, he raced past Jewsbury and forced a full stretch save from Ricketts. Otherwise, Cruz was a non-factor, completing 10 passes in 80 minutes and while Gaddis was overwhelmed in the defensive third. He loses a point for a series of theatrical tumbles followed by aggressive and inappropriate confrontations with referee Salazar. Cruz is in danger of earning a reputation as a diver with MLS officials, considering that he has begun to hit the deck at even the slightest contact. Ricardo Salazar missed his fair share of calls on Saturday night, but none of Cruz’s wild falls make that list.

Conor Casey – 5

Looked clumsy and slow against the quick, efficient Timbers, conceding 5 fouls and earning a yellow card that will see him suspended against Vancouver. Still almost won the game for the Union with his near post blast that forced a tremendous save out of Ricketts.

Jack McInerney – 4

McInerney struggled through his first appearance since returning from national team duty. Much of that was not his fault, however, considering that he was forced to feed on the most meager of scraps provided by the midfield.

Substitutes

Leo Fernandes – 4

Could have rescued the Union in the final moments, but missed the target with a wide open look. Was otherwise ineffective at center midfield as he was unable to catch up to the pace of the match, despite entering with fresh legs.

Fabinho – 5

Worked hard to push play and get the ball into the box, but was unable to connect with a teammate on any of his crosses.

Antoine Hoppenot – 3

In his 10+ minute appearance, Hoppenot managed only a single touch on the ball. Not good enough.

Geiger Counter

Ricardo Salazar – 4

The much-maligned ref has certainly has had some shockers in his day, but Saturday night was not one of them. Salazar kept play moving and allowed overly physical play from both sides. He would have been well served to warn, or even caution, players who went to ground constantly, like Andrew Jean-Baptiste or Cruz.

Preferred Starting XI for Saturday’s Match at Vancouver

4-2-3-1

MacMath; Williams, Okugo, Parke, Gaddis; Kleberson, Carroll; Le Toux, Farfan, Cruz; McInerney

Camilo is in deadly form and Vancouver packs a significant offensive punch. With Casey suspended for yellow card accumulation, adding extra midfield quality allows the Union to possess the ball and grind out a road result.