The Asterisk

*Cover photo credit to Jack Lewy/Undrafted US.*

There are times when the Timbers offer an escape from the real world. Despite what may be going on around the globe, the opportunity to spend two hours of your week invested in a soccer game is something I will never take for granted. Unfortunately, sometimes the Portland Timbers have an uncanny ability to teach a lesson about the larger world that exists outside of the soccer pitch. Today, in their 1-1 draw against the Los Angeles Galaxy, a lesson was taught to the viewing public.

The First Half

The Timbers were back to their tried-and-true 4-2-3-1 from the opening whistle. What followed was their best half of soccer of the young season. They looked dangerous going forward while also limiting LA’s opportunities to break on the counter. However, neither team was able to create a big chance. Portland’s best opportunity was a shot from distance by David Ayala in the 7th minute that was blocked by Galaxy center back Mathias Jorgensen. Interestingly, that might not have been Portland’s best chance of the half. But we’ll get to that later. The game was tied 0-0 at halftime with both teams combining for an xG of 0.34.

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The Second Half

Portland’s positive first half carried over after the break. Their breakthrough came in the 49th minute. David Da Costa’s corner kick was cleared out of the box, but Diego Chara latched onto the loose ball and quickly passed it to Santiago Moreno on the right side. Moreno found Da Costa, who beat his defender before putting a dangerous ball across the face of goal. Felipe Mora, as he so often is, was in the right place at the right time. After taking a deserved lead, the Timbers began to play scared. The Galaxy began to push for an equalizer, and all of their hard work finally paid off in the 81st minute. Ironically, after spending the majority of the second half working on intricate combinations, a single long ball from Jorgenson found Christian Ramirez in stride. The former Columbus striker bundled the ball into the net to tie the game. However, this game is going to be remembered for a single action in the 3rd minute of second half stoppage time.

The Bad Call to End All Bad Calls

I legitimately have no words.

*Yes, the entire two-minute clip is entirely necessary. This was a quality spell of buildup from the Timbers and it deserves attention.*

There are two different ways to look at this foul: is it inside or outside the box? No question at all whether or not the contact from Emiro Garces is worthy of a whistle. However, after the game, Phil Neville stated that this obviously dangerous challenge was waved on as an “advantage.” Normally when a referee plays advantage, he puts his arm up to signal to the other players (and the crowd) that an advantage is being played. After the challenge, the next gesture to come from the referee (Lukasz Szpala) is a signal for a goalkick after Ariel Lassiter’s effort goes wide of the net. There is no instantaneous advantage being played here. But what makes this even more infuriating is the explanation that Szpala gave to Diego Chara. According to Neville, this foul was given an advantage and that advantage ended when Lassiter’s shot was taken.

Let’s begin with the foul itself. As a referee, if you decide to ignore the obvious fact that it occurred inside the box, it’s still a dangerous challenge that endangers the safety of the player. Why then, pray tell, is FELIPE MORA the only player that receives a booking during this entire sequence? An advantage can be played for yellow card-worthy fouls. It happens all the time. After the play is completed, the referee will often go back to the offending player and book him. THIS IS A VERY COMMON OCCURENCE! SO WHY IS GARCES, WHO OBVIOUSLY COMMITTED A BOOKABLE OFFENSE, NOT BEING SHOWN A YELLOW CARD HERE??????? AND THAT’S JUST THE START!

Szpala also told Chara that the foul was a “penalty” but he decided to play advantage. NOT ONLY IS THAT A TERRIBLE ADVANTAGE TO PLAY REGARDLESS OF THE SEVERITY AND LOCATION OF THE FOUL, YOU SIMPLY CANNOT PLAY ADVANTAGE ON A CHALLENGE WORTHY OF A PENALTY KICK! Either you are a bad referee and simply ignore the foul (which it looks like Szpala did, contrary to his own explanation) or you decide to invent a ridiculous story to cover your own ass!

This isn’t even getting into the VAR aspect of the challenge. VAR can absolutely take a closer look at this foul. ONCE AGAIN, THIS HAPPENS ALL THE TIME. No review is recommended, and the game continues on as if nothing happened. The Galaxy take their goalkick. “If we’re not going to use VAR, we might as well give that money to charity,” Neville said after the game. Or it can be invested in a group of officials that are, at the bare minimum, COMPETENT at doing their jobs.

Through four games in 2025, the Portland Timbers have not resembled a good soccer team. That is true. But at the same time, IN FOUR GAMES, I have seen three ASTOUNDING decisions from officials that have left me speechless. Against Vancouver, Pedro Vite committed an obvious handball offense in the buildup to the Whitecaps’ third goal. Nothing happened. Last weekend in Nashville, Joao Ortiz’s slight shove resulted in a penalty kick for the hosts. In that instance, ball didn’t lie and James Pantemis was able to save the penalty. It doesn’t erase how awful that call was. And, finally, the outright robbery that a NATIONAL VIEWING AUDIENCE witnessed at Providence Park today. None of those calls are excusable. I could lump Kamal Miller’s red card into this, but there is a justification for that ruling being correct. Even though I disagree with it, I’m willing to be flexible.

No such flexibility can be applied to today’s events. Not only was a blatant penalty completely ignored, a dangerous tackle went completely unpunished. The Los Angeles Galaxy are no strangers to dirty play. Nigel De Jong. Derrick Williams. I don’t need to go into detail. Just mentioning the names of the culprits is enough. Last year, when PRO was in the midst of a fight for a new contract, a group of replacement officials were in charge of MLS matches. Those games were marked by delayed whistles, delayed offside flags, and no-calls on obvious fouls. If you told me that today’s game was officiated by a team of replacement refs, I would have completely agreed with you. Right now, MLS is biting off more than it can chew. It wants to cash in on the spectacle of the world’s greatest player without putting in the necessary ground work to improve the larger product on the field. In Portland’s first game after the strike ended, Jonathan Rodriguez was fouled in the box at BC Place. Allen Chapman, a PRO referee, chose not to give a penalty kick. All around the world, referees get stick. But no league aside from MLS claims to have the best officials in the world.

My escape from the world is every moment I spend in Providence Park. However, today’s events are just another reminder that our world is controlled by people who do not have the average person’s best interests in mind. From the media we consume (the entire library of Looney Tunes cartoons disappeared from HBO Max today) to the modes of transportation we are forced to use (Southwest Airlines’ dumbfounding decision to end their free checked bag policy) to modifications of existing technology that force consumers to spend more (Apple getting rid of the headphone jack, yes, it’s not recent, but I’m still pissed about it) to the constant shoving of generative AI down our throat (particularly the effects it has on our planet) and the actions of our current government (take your pick, mine is the idiotic tariffs on Canada and Mexico). So many decisions, no matter how minor, adversely affect the general public. Today’s officiating shitshow, punctuated by the worst call (and justification) I have ever seen, is no exception. And based on their previous actions, MLS is completely fine with their status quo. In today’s match, the Portland Timbers were the common man. The LA Galaxy, with their six MLS Cups and status as a legacy club, represented society’s elite that cannot be held accountable for their constant flouting of the rules. And nothing will be done about it. No accountability for the officials, maybe a fine for Garces, but I expect the Timbers to be the ones paying the price.

Last year, the Timbers showcased the fighting spirit of the city they represent. In 2025, the world has changed, and so have the Timbers. Even though they are struggling, the simplest things cannot go their way. It just keeps piling on, week after week. They’re frustrated. They’re dumbfounded. They’re beyond angry. But, when the sun rises once again, they have to get up and go to work. They’re still the People’s Champion, and they still represent the city of Portland to a T. When Mora scored at the beginning of the second half, it was the first truly positive glimpse of their near future since last fall; a victory against the Galaxy. But they had to endure a brutal winter where one man dominated the headlines and became inescapable. They almost put it all together today. But the upper class, fresh off of a crowning achievement, pushed their heads back into the dirt. It was done in a manner so utterly shocking that it will take a while to fully come to terms with. How can one referee be so stupid? How can 49.8% of the country be so stupid? These are questions that we might have the answers to someday. Unfortunately, all that can be done now is continuing to work hard to better themselves at every available opportunity. The people in charge will always look out for themselves and ignore every issue until it directly affects them. The Timbers, completely unwillingly, have authored another allegory. I love this team. They tell stories that I can’t even fathom until it’s staring me right in the face. And in Year 50 too. Outstanding work.

Key Takeaways

Well, that was a fun but depressing detour. Let’s talk about the actual soccer that was played on the pitch today! I thought the most interesting lineup change was Moreno's first start of the year, but as a left winger rather than his usual spot on the right. Initially, this caused some worry because of Da Costa's tendencies to slide out to that area. However, for their first start together, both of Portland's chief playmakers did a pretty good job of recognizing each other's space. Their chemistry will continue to get better, but it was a promising start to a good on-field relationship.

Meanwhile, the Timbers weren't getting pressed into oblivion by the Galaxy. However, there were several times throughout the game where Portland defenders made poor passes to a player under heavy pressure that resulted in a turnover. Portland's intricate buildup patterns seemed overcomplicated at times. Throughout the first half in particular, I was begging both center backs to play long balls to stretch the Galaxy defense. Mora's goal occurred because a Kamal Miller long ball to Moreno resulted in a Timbers corner kick. Now, Moreno didn't win the corner by playing a cross that got blocked. He used his excellent defensive awareness to force a Galaxy player (Harbor Miller in this instance) to make a play on the ball under pressure. Even the idea of a long ball and playing more direct creates opportunities for the Timbers. They just need to do it more often.

That's also 4 straight games without conceding from a set piece to open 2025. Neville specifically pointed out that stat in the post-game press conference. There were a couple of close calls, but nothing too threatening. I've been very impressed by their organization on both attacking and defensive set pieces this season. More goals will come on the attacking end. I'd categorize Mora's goal as a set piece goal because it occurred during the second ball phase of the corner kick. Very encouraging stuff.

However, at the end of the day, the Timbers got outshot for the 4th game in a row to open 2025. 3 of those 4 games were at Providence Park. I understand that the attack is still learning how to play with each other, but a couple of speculative efforts from distance never hurt anyone. During the second half, LA outshot Portland 8-5 with 60% possession. They simply have to find the confidence to keep pushing for more goals. Last year's team was always able to stay threatening no matter the scoreline. They did not chase the second goal and got punished for it.

Player Ratings

James Pantemis: 7

I thought Pantemis had another solid game. However, I thought the concession was poor on his behalf even though it was a tough situation. He got beat at the near post for the second game in a row. But I'd like to take this chance to talk about his distribution. It isn't good. He mishit a couple of long balls but none of them turned into big chances for the opposition. Maxime Crepeau will be on international duty next weekend, so another Pantemis start is in the cards.

Eric Miller: 7.5

I missed watching Miller play right back. His presence on the backline isn't just good for tactical reasons; it's also a huge boost for communication and leadership. Sometimes a player would get dragged out of position and Miller would be there to fill the gap. With Juan Mosquera's return from injury still up in the air, I'm calling for a healthy dose of Miller Time at right back.

Kamal Miller: 8.5

Ditto for the other Miller. The Canadian center back played with a massive chip on his shoulder in his first start since being sent off against Vancouver. He held his position well and marshaled the backline. Unfortunately, he had to exit in the 74th minute after blocking a hard shot. The only thing keeping his rating down is an occasional tendency to play a hospital pass. I still expect more from him distribution-wise. But it was an excellent bounce-back from the season opener.

Finn Surman: 9

One of the biggest bright spots in 2025 so far has been the Kiwi's emergence. Today, in his first start alongside Kamal Miller, he became a human eraser. Stat time! 6 clearances (4 aerial), 100% duel success rate (3 ground 2 aerial) and zero fouls. When his number was called, he rose to the occasion. However, I'd like to take a look at his on-ball contributions. On paper, 41/43 completed passes is very good. But the stat that speaks volumes is long ball attempts: 1/1. Only 3 of his passes were completed into the final third. I was begging him to take more risks with the ball, but I understand that those attempts come with confidence. In the meantime, he played a couple of hospital passes but the team was organized so those potential errors didn't turn into anything dire. I'd like to see this CB pairing against Colorado next week. The combination of upside and experience is tantalizing.

Jimer Fory: 8

Most young players rely on their physical and technical abilities. As they gain experience, they learn how to adapt to certain situations. Throughout Fory's first 4 games in a Timbers uniform, two things have been abundantly clear: he's very physical and this can lead to fouls. He's been booked 3 times this season; that's tied for most in the league. He earned his booking today. In the 25th minute, he fouled Gabriel Pec away from the play. This resulted in a verbal warning from the referee. One minute later, he fouled Harbor Miller and was rightfully booked. Throughout the rest of the game, I kept my eye out for a potential substitution. But it didn't come.

One skill that can be learned is discipline. Fory's performance in today's game showed that he's already got that skill mastered. He was engaged in plenty of 1v1 battles with Pec (LA's best attacker) during this game. And not only did he hold his own, the sheer level of discipline he showed spoke volumes to the coaching staff and the viewing public. The Timbers have never had a player like him before. A physical monster fullback who wins everything aerially in his hemisphere. What an outstanding shift from the 22-year-old Colombian.

Diego Chara: 9

The worst part about today's result was the complete waste of a vintage Diego Chara performance. I will never get tired of his ability to pop up precisely at the right place when the moment calls for him. Today's major contribution was winning the second ball on the cleared corner kick that led to Portland's goal. I would like to award him with a hockey assist for that play. Elsewhere, he continued to be the beating heart of Portland's midfield. I can only imagine the utter bewilderment on his face when Szpala explained to him the reasoning behind the no-call PK. He did not deserve to have to listen to that nonsense.

David Ayala: 8

Normally I praise Ayala's on-ball contributions in these recaps, but let's take some time to properly address his defensive positioning. The young Argentine won boatloads of second balls in the midfield today. I didn't have an issue with his substitution either. Portland needed to win the midfield battle against a weak Galaxy, and they did just that. Ayala/Chara is still the Timbers' best pivot. And they had themselves a field day on Sunday afternoon.

Antony: 6

I'll dive deeper into Antony's contributions in a later article, but it was mostly more of the same from him today. However, I'd like to highlight one sequence in the 43rd minute.

Can't. Have. Shit. Loyal readers are probably used to my complete disdain for delayed whistles. It’s even more infuriating given the complete lack of an actual foul on this play. There is more contact by Yoshida after the “foul” than there is from Antony during the challenge. Antony got robbed of a perfect counter-attacking situation because the referee had to get involved when he didn’t need to. Look at how quickly he bolts up the field with the ball. He would’ve had the entire goal at his mercy. In some ways, I’m more dumbfounded by this whistle than the missed penalty. Two obscene calls occuring 50 minutes apart. I’ve never seen anything like it.

David Da Costa: 8

I think that David Da Costa touching the ball 50 times in a game is very good. However, you gotta pump up those numbers. The shiftiness he displayed on his assist will translate to any opponent, not just a weakened Galaxy. In 303 minutes, he has 1g/1a. That's a great start for Portland's new centerpiece. And more of his supporting cast is getting healthier. As I already mentioned, I like the partnership between him and Moreno. May it blossom in the coming spring. By the way, I don’t understand why he exited the game in the 80th minute unless there was an injury concern. Something to keep an eye on in the coming week.

Santiago Moreno: 8

Last season, I was very harsh on the Colombian. But in his first start of 2025, the steps forward I was begging him to take last year are here. He isn't afraid to shoot from distance. His off-ball movement is excellent. All he has to do is add game-to-game consistency and he’ll be almost unstoppable.

Felipe Mora: 8.5

The Chilean now occupies 4th place on the club’s league scoring chart, trailing only Blanco, Valeri, and Adi. His first goal of 2025 was a typical Mora strike: finding the space and exploiting it. Throughout this game, I was in awe of his hold-up play. Most strikers who can successfully hold the ball up top are much bigger than Mora, but his incredible instincts allow him to hold his own against some massive centerbacks. I didn’t have an issue with him exiting the game. He got his goal, did his job, and cleared the way for Kevin Kelsy.

Kevin Kelsy: 6.5

For a striker that relies on service, Kelsy couldn’t do much with Da Costa off the pitch at the most critical part of the game. However, he made the pass that should have led to a penalty kick. He didn’t do much, but he is a goal threat whenever he is in the box. Hopefully he’ll score his first goal in the coming weeks. It’ll be a huge boost to his confidence.

Zac McGraw: 6

It’s so hard to watch McGraw being forced to play a high line week after week. For the second game in a row, he was beaten on a ball played over the top. However, I thought he was able to rebound after that error. Sigh.

Ariel Lassiter: 6

Playing to the whistle is taught to all young soccer players when they first begin to play the sport. Lassiter certainly cannot be blamed for Szpala’s absurd decisions. However, my question revolves around whether or not he should have entered the game in the first place. I don’t know why he got subbed on. Plain and simple.

Cristhian Paredes: 8.5 and a new leg

Every team needs a great closer. Someone who can come off the bench and protect a lead. As a New York Yankees fan, I was spoiled by watching Mariano Rivera all summer. Cristhian Paredes is the Timbers’ closer. He enters a game and knows exactly what he has to do in order to protect the lead. It was Paredes who was winning balls in the midfield and playing sharp one-two combinations with his teammates, including the one that led to Garces spearing him in the penalty area. I’ve labeled him the ultimate supersub before, but I think “closer” is a more apt descriptor. He deserved better today, along with the rest of his teammates. But mostly him for eating a dangerous challenge and not being protected by those whose job it is to keep players safe.

Final Whistle

This was a draw that felt like a loss before Garces decided to commit a blatant foul in the penalty area. Now it feels like something much worse: a hopeless reminder that the institutions put in place to protect us will keep failing without any consequences from those in charge. It’s a bleak time to be both an American and a Timbers fan. That much is certain. The Portland Timbers will have to put this robbery behind them. “I think we deserved more, but we move,” Felipe Mora said after the game. He’s absolutely right. While I certainly won’t be over this astounding decision from Lukasz Szpala, the Timbers have no choice but to put it behind them and focus on their next game.

That game will be played in Colorado and begins a run of 5 road games out of their next 7 league matches. They simply had to win today’s game. And they absolutely should have. Even if the balance of play shifted towards LA after the Timbers took the lead, that no-call occurred at such an important juncture that its impact on the final score cannot be ignored.

However, the Timbers are beginning to show some signs of what they want to be in 2025. Neither half can be ignored, from the positivity of the first to the anxiety of the second. I was a serious advocate for the back three prior to the beginning of the season, but the eye test doesn’t lie. This team is built for a 4-2-3-1, and they feel like themselves with that structure. Today’s game is designated with a giant asterisk due to how it ended. But the 92 minutes of game time before Garces’ tackle is something to build on.

This beauty wasn’t built in a day. Especially with key parts missing. Patience will be required before the entire machine is ready to unleash and dazzle. But make no mistake about it: everyone in the organization is absolutely furious about how today’s game ended. All they have to do is channel that rage into something productive: bettering themselves. The climb continues.

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