Jack Jewsbury says these Portland Timbers are one of the deepest teams he has been on in his 13 Major League Soccer seasons.
No doubt that depth has helped the Timbers build a winning streak that has reached four games in league play and five overall entering Wednesday’s road game against the Los Angeles Galaxy.
“When guys’ numbers have been called this year, they’ve really stepped up. And maybe it hasn’t been that way as much in the past, but it’s good to see,” Jewsbury said.
Coach Caleb Porter has consistently rotated players through the lineup at forward, center back and holding midfield.
“We have depth in several positions where we can rotate, keep guys fresh and keep the level high,” Porter said.
At striker, Maximilliano Urruti and Fanendo Adi have taken turns contributing as starters and as substitutes. Urruti recently has demonstrated great chemistry with Gaston Fernandez, who has played with increasing confidence in attacking midfield while Diego Valeri has healed from an ankle injury.
At holding midfield, Jewsbury and George Fochive have provided strong play while Will Johnson works his way back to full fitness. At central defender, Norberto Paparatto has allowed some rest for Nat Borchers and Liam Ridgewell.
Several players, though, have been constants in the lineup. Midfielder Darlington Nagbe and left back Jorge Villafana have started all 16 league games and each played all 120 minutes of the June 16 Open Cup match against Seattle. Right back Alvas Powell has started every game and bounced back quickly after an injury forced him out in the first half of the Open Cup game.
That trio is not likely to get a break during between now and July 5, when the Timbers conclude a stretch of five games over 15 days.
“Over in Europe, most guys play every minute of every game. You don’t see (Lionel) Messi come out too often, do you?” Porter said. “There’s this myth that you have to rotate (the lineup). You don’t have to rotate. We’re in a position where we can rotate. We feel like in a few positions we have depth where we’re not going to miss a beat by rotating.”
Porter did say that the travel, summer weather and some busy weeks make it more necessary to rest players in MLS than in some European leagues, but players in their prime should be ready and willing to play every match.
Johnson improving
The Timbers’ improved depth has lessened the impact of Will Johnson’s recovery from his broken leg.
Saturday’s win over Houston was just his second MLS appearance this season and his first full match in league play. He said he is playing catchup with teammates who are in midseason form. He also said his leg gets sore at the fracture sites, which he has been told is normal for the first year after a broken leg.
“I guess the toughest part for me is just getting games on a consistent basis, having my leg feel well enough to where I can play the next week,” Johnson said. “Psychologically, I’m fine. It’s just the physical part that I have to be aware of and manage.”
He credited teammates, training staff and coaches for helping him work through his recovery.
Johnson spent last week with Canada’s national team, but will not be on its Gold Cup roster.
“The thing with me is you’ve got to get your club play to a high level in order to be called into a national team,” Johnson said.
