The Portland Timbers started the season with a "shot across the bow" that rippled through the entire MLS with the Evander transfer. Starting this season, "MLS clubs may now use an unlimited amount of out-of-pocket funds (cash) to trade players..."
The Timbers, with playoff ambitions, had an unhappy star player on their hands after the debacle against the Vancouver Whitecaps in last year's Wild Card match. So, Evander was shipped off to FC Cincinnati for a record-breaking transfer fee of $12 million in cash.
According to Major League Soccer, this change "creates additional opportunities for top talent to remain within MLS, while creating another pathway for MLS clubs to generate significant revenue on player movements and further incentivizes player development."
With the Timbers being one of the first teams to jump on this new rule change and deal Evander for a boatload of cash, the question has to be asked: where will the goals come from and when will the Timbers spend this influx of money? Maybe the home opener gave Timbers fans a clue as to the consequence of the trade and the work that still needs to be done to make another run at the playoffs.
Portland Timbers hold onto the money bag after a sound defeat
First, the match. The Vancouver Whitecaps sliced through the revamped backline of the Timbers. Portland went into half-time down two goals. The first half wasn't a really good look for the Timbers, but a two-goal deficit is salvageable. Unfortunately, the Timber's backline continued to struggle with the speed of the Whitecaps. Just over 15 minutes into the second half, the Whitecaps added two more goals by Sam Adekugbe and Jayden Nelson. Anthony Alves Santos added the lone goal for the Timbers in the 73rd minute.
The downpour coming from the sky was fitting for this match. However, there were a couple bright spots. Newcomer David Da Costa looked really good in the 45 minutes he was on the field. Da Costa seemed to have no problems finding gaps on the pitch and getting himself scoring positions. Furthermore, although the defense as a whole struggled mightily, I would say Jimer Fory was a definite bright spot. He seemed to have enough speed to challenge the Whitecaps offensive weapons.
Under the evening lights on Saturday, the Boys in Green and Gold will welcome Austin FC fresh off their win against Sporting Kansas City. In the last two matches Portland has played, they have given up nine goals. Hopefully, they can close the floodgates against a revamped Austin FC squad looking to continue some much needed momentum. The season continues back at Providence Park this Saturday night at 9:30pm.