Frustration was evident in the reaction from Portland Timbers following Wednesday’s 0-0 draw with Sporting Kansas City.
But there were positives in what coach Caleb Porter described as a second consecutive “complete performance” — except, of course, for scoring.
Topping the list of positives was the play of second-year professionals George Fochive and Taylor Peay.
For the second game in a row, Fochive paired with Jack Jewsbury in midfield in the absence of Diego Chara and Will Johnson. Porter called Kansas City’s midfield one of the best in MLS, but said he thought Fochive, Jewsbury and Diego Valeri won that battle.
“George was a big part of that. (He was) aggressive, winning balls, clean on the ball,” Porter said. “George is a guy that’s not been talked about much this year. I think he deserves a lot of credit for the seasons he’s had.”
Peay filled in at right back for Alvas Powell, who was on international duty with Jamaica. In just his second MLS start, the former Washington Husky was tasked with containing U.S. national team attacker Graham Zusi.
Zusi, and Benny Fielhaber when he drifted wide, managed to get off several shots from distance, but Peay held his own and did not seem intimidated by the assignment.
“It was fun. (Zusi) is a class player. It’s one of those matchups you look forward to,” Peay said. “I felt comfortable and I felt good about it so it’s definitely something to build on.”
Speaking of building, Diego Valeri seems to be nearing the form that made him one of the top attacking players in Major League Soccer in recent seasons. Several of his passes created scoring chances for teammates, including one-on-one opportunities for Fanendo Adi and Lucas Melano that were turned away by SKC goalkeeper Tim Melia.
Melano certainly needs to do more with the scoring opportunities he’s getting. So do his teammates, and they know it.
“I don’t want to say more about the finishing,” Valeri said. “I’m 100-percent sure that if we create chances and if we defend well like we are doing that we will get more points.”
Porter said his attackers will be extra hungry to score the next time they play. But the Timbers have a 10-day break before the New York Red Bulls visit.
Quote of note: “I tell you the real winner today is the city of Portland. Every time we come here it gets harder to leave. I bet you guys put something in the water.” — Matt Besler, Sporting Kansas City and U.S. national team defender.
The Timbers might argue that the Portland water brings out the best in opposing goalkeepers.
