The Kids Are Alright

For the first time since 2019, the Portland Timbers have won a game in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. I am being intentionally misleading here, as there wasn’t an Open Cup in 2020 or 2021. But a win is a win, especially in a competition of this caliber.

Sebastian Blanco returned to the pitch for the first time in 2023. He played 34 minutes, created two quality chances, got a yellow card, and left to a round of applause. He was replaced by Jaroslaw Niezgoda. Three minutes later, after a neat bit of combo play, Niezgoda guided the ball for Marvin Loria to slot home for a 1-0 lead. Orange County had some dangerous opportunites, mostly coming via the long ball. 

The second half opened with Tyler Clegg getting his noggin on a Pablo Bonilla cross for a 2-0 lead in the 48th minute. The most dangerous lead in soccer proved to be just that, as Milan Iloski curled a nice finish past Hunter Sulte in the 54th minute. Orange County continued to threaten, but a misplayed jump from keeper Cody Cropper allowed Jaroslaw Niezgoda to pounce for the goal to finally clinch the win and advancement into the next round. 

Today was all about the youth. Tyler Clegg put in a Man of the Match performance at center back. Noel Caliskan also went the full 90 and showed a ton of quality. Victor Griffith was a halftime sub and made some critical tackles. I would also like to shoutout Pablo Bonilla, who looked very dangerous getting forward (don’t worry, he still got nutmegged, his defense still leaves a lot to be desired). Nathan Fogaca came in, ran all over the pitch, made Cody Cropper forget how to play keeper, and should get credited for an assist on Niezgoda’s goal. 

Justin Rasmussen played the full 90 today, pushing farther up the pitch after Eric Miller came on as a left back. Claudio Bravo’s status for Saturday is still in doubt, so I would imagine Miller might get a start at left back if Bravo isn’t good to go. Rasmussen was pretty decent tonight, but he has not been starter-quality in MLS. With the league season still a work in progress, it might pay dividends to play Miller out on the left for defensive solidity. 

All in all, there really isn’t too much to analyze. One notable thing was a confident Jaroslaw Niezgoda, who was showing the most hustle I’ve seen from him all year. Yes, his goal was a little fluky, which was eerily similar to his goal against Seattle. But if he continues to move like that, there might be a spot here for him in Portland. At the very least, his market value will increase. The biggest question surrounding him is his fit in Portland’s system. He is more suited to a team that likes to create tight triangles with quick one-touch passing. However, the Timbers’ attack has been very narrow as of late. They struggle to create chances from the top of the box. Niezgoda can help with that. He’s still not a starter in my mind, but he can definitely be of use off the bench. 

Sebastian Blanco’s return also raises several questions about his fit in this team. I believe his fit is 20-30 minutes off the bench to spell Evander. Of course, everything is dependent on how healthy he feels week-by-week. But he’s still got it. He’s still Spicy Seba. You can tell how much it meant to him to return to the pitch. That in itself should be a boost to the team. 

Concern is very valid about Larrys Mabiala. Orange County’s M.O. was to play long ball after long ball, and Mabiala kept getting caught out of position on a few of them. Clegg was by far the more impressive center back. I’m not going to belabor this point, but Mabiala is the third CB from now until the summer window at the very least. Dario Zuparic and Zac McGraw are going to need to have a clean bill of health, and that is definitely something to worry about considering this team’s injury track record. The players who didn’t make the bench tonight are definitely going to be starting on Saturday in St. Louis, with Cristhian Paredes available for substitute minutes. We may be healthier, but there is still a lack of quality depth.

The biggest takeaway from tonight is Giovanni Savarese’s postgame comment about the Open Cup. “We have to respect this competition. This is the oldest competition in the United States.” I think the Timbers are going to try to win this trophy this year. Their next Open Cup game will be against RSL on May 10 at Providence Park. That game is sandwiched between two home games, Austin preceding and Vancouver succeeding. 3 home games in the period of a week is a great sign for Portland’s Open Cup hopes. And it is a prime position for them to capitalize on it.