Portland Timbers vs Chivas USA: Portland’s Poor Form Continues in 0-1 Loss

What to say about the recent form of the Portland Timbers?

That it's no accident.

There's a big, big secret that's not so big anymore. That is the midfield play, or lack thereof, of the Timbers. It's a weakness so glaring that it's simply affecting every facet of the team.

The keeper, Troy Perkins, seemingly has no choice but to play the long ball every possession. The defense very rarely plays into to midfield, electing to try and kick it to the top two very lonely forwards—Perlaza and Cooper.

On paper, at least, the Timbers should have a very stable midfield with Alhassan, Jewsbury, Nagbe and Chara (although Sal Zisso has been starting in place of Nagbe the last two games). The class of the midfield seems to be Jewsbury, who is outstanding at possession and set pieces, and Alhassan, a very nice playmaker with great pace.

Nagbe did seem lost quite a few times and out of position, and it wasn't surprising that Zisso replaced ...

Read Complete Article at Bleacher Report - MLS
Article is property of BleacherReport.com