So @StumptownFooty asked and I responded but, to be honest, this has been on my mind for the last few weeks as a missing piece of game by game analysis that would allow us to delve into each position, each player and start a conversation that maybe Gio and Gavin will end up reading (along with all your comments!).
As they say, a rising tide raises all boats, so when the Timbers win, the grades might seem a little high and when they lose, vice versa. But in general, the methodology is to start with a 'C' and then see (no pun intended) what they can do for us lately. A mid-week game coming off a 4-game losing streak is probably as good a place to start as any...
Timbers vs. FC Toronto - Wednesday, August 29, 2018 (@ Providence Park)
Attinella (A) - Clean sheet, ‘nuff said. He saved what he
needed to, let the woodwork save what it needed to and let the defense keep
shots on goal to a minimum.
Mabiala (A-) - This was his first game alongside
Liam in how long? I think he is a much better stopper than sweeper and I will
admit that this is the center back combo I’ve been waiting for.
Ridgewell (A) - As someone who has played the backline, I
can’t stress the importance of having someone back there who, skills aside, can
keep the back line on the same page. I think Ridgie brings just that and allows
Mabiala to roam (which i think is his strength). As per Jorge, i don’t think he
played his best game, but his influence resulted in a clean sheet.
Villafaña (A) - OK, admittedly it wasn’t his 'A' game, but
I have to think that his presence bolstered the team’s mentality a bit and he
was solid during his run. He had a significant challenge in marking the weak
side space that effectively created 2v1 opportunities for TFC but he weathered
them as we expected.
Valentin (B-) - That through pass to
Blanco was a thing of beauty and he gets kudos for that, but, too many times it
seems like he is forcing the ball into a lane that was already vacated. There
were a couple of plays where he didn’t push forward or got caught defensively
awkward and that didn’t help his grade. I will say that I think the day is quickly approaching when he is the odd man out and we have Powell and Villanfana racing up the sidelines...
Polo (B+) - I will concede that I really like the
direction this kid’s game is heading. He continues to push a bit more forward
every game and while he has his occasional errant pass or first touch he is
helping the counter and making himself present at both ends of the pitch.
Guzman (A) - He finally performed the way I had expected
him to all year. Make his presence known in the defensive mid, allow Chara some
freedom and every once in awhile step up and shoot. I hope this isn’t a one and
done for Him but I know the National team is calling. My hope is that he can
maintain his momentum and get back to the “shake and bake” effect that he and
Chara bring to the team. Oh, and he scored that second goal YOU KNOW WE WERE ALL WAITING FOR!
Chara (A+) - I know that the methodology starts players at a 'C' but I may consider starting Chara off at an 'A' based on what he has meant to the team. His early efforts created a caution on Delgado and almost a red card (stoopid, stoopid, stoopid!) just for starters. But he continued to be the defensive dynamo we (and the entire league) expect and then he gets a freaking game winner to cap it all off??? ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?!?!?! Totally going to admit a man-crush right here!
Blanco (A) - He didn’t score but by golly he continues to
demonstrate that he is the most dangerous player on the team with the ball at
his feet. Yeah, he missed a gimme to Armenteros but it seems like the run of
play always seems to run through him.
Valeri (C+) - I love Valeri. I love Valeri. I love
Valeri. (Am I back in Kansas yet?) But... I think that moving him to a more
central midfield position would benefit his current level of play. I don’t know
if he’s trying too hard or he’s getting predictable but his ability to work
without space seems to be diminishing. When he has space he continues to create
and be the Maestro we will always love. Another option is to just give him a
break for a game or too...
Armenteros (B) - At the beginning of the game he was
especially dangerous but seemed to hell bent on scoring and so missed the army
of open teammates he had options for. But his movement off the ball helped
create the opening goal and it did seem like he was working harder to get the
ball on the run as opposed to trying to be an Adi-like holding striker (which
was a horrible thing to watch against the Flounders).
Savarese (A) - A coach’s job is to get the team ready for
a fight and I think he did that. From the opening whistle. At no point did i
think the Timbers level of intensity changed much and I applaud his starting
lineup but maybe not is substitution pattern. But, he did use all his subs! Yay!
Sub1 - Flores (C) - Meh. I get it. He is Batman’s utility belt
in a soccer kit. But then I don’t get the situational subs (or starts) when you
are looking to change the game. Yeah, at the time of the sub there wasn’t any
major change to the game Gio was looking for but still...
Sub2 - Melano (B) - 10 minutes, but he worked for it and tried
to reverse a couple of the opinions he left behind. That defensive run to break
up Bradley? Huzzah! That offensive run to get the through ball from Valeri?
Huzzah! (Although i would have gone near post).
Sub3 - Tuiloma (C+) - He was solid deluding his brief tenure and
that’s all you can ask of a defensive sub. Honestly, you didn’t expect a
Powell-esque performance did you??
Submitted for the Timbers fan in all of us by Sean Egusa.
