Tag Archives: Andrew Jean-Baptist

Big Question: How bad is the defense?

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Mikael Silvestre, Tim CahillThe smell of smoke bombs from the opening game of the Portland Timbers 2013 season has dissipated, which gives us an opportunity to introduce you to a new, EXCLU$IVE 5mTKO blogg feature called the Big Question. Each and every Tuesday we will ask and answer a burning question that has arisen from the previous weekend’s game. Yes, your existence has suddenly changed for the better.

This week’s question is one that you have probably had go through your mind a few dozen times since Sunday’s game against the New York Red Bulls. Is our defense always going to give up three goals or was this just an aberration that can be chalked up to Mikael Silvestre’s rhumlagged body? Continue reading →

Building from the Back

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Can the backline keep its cool (and hair) in tact when under pressure?

Can the backline keep its cool (and hair) in tact when under pressure?

Possession. Quick passing. Control. Precision.

Those are the words that have often been used to describe the Caleb Porter system. Those are also the words that have almost never been used to describe the backline players for the Portland Timbers. For generations (it seems), the Timbers have had a long line of fullbacks more known for their brute or their ability to win balls in the air or their general ineptitude than known for their ability to find a teammate and deliver a pass to said teammate. Rare has been the backline guy who has been skilled at the passing game. Even rarer has been a coach who has emphasized building the attack from the back. Route 1 and all that. Continue reading →