Technically, the Portland Timbers' halfway mark of the season was last week after their 2-2 home draw against the Houston Dynamo when they completed their 17th game. However, the Timbers are entering a much-deserved bye week after being the first Western Conference team to play 18 games this season. So, as Portland has the week off to rest and reflect, it would be the perfect time to look back at who the players who have made the most significant difference thus far are and how the second half of the season shapes up for the Timbers.
Recent Form
The Timbers have had a good run of results over the last five games. They sit seventh on the MLS Form table, with 11 points in the previous six games and earning 1.83 points per game. On the actual table, the Timbers (5-6-7) sit in ninth place in the Western Conference, the last possible position for post-season play.
The catalyst for the turnaround is the defense. After a disastrous stretch where the Timbers allowed two or more goals in 10 straight games, they have since recorded two clean sheets in three games, both on the road. During the last six games, the defense has allowed 7 goals, compared to the 11 they allowed in the five games before. If Portland wants to make a playoff push, this needs to continue.
Mid-Season Awards
MVP … so far
Evander
Who the first-half MVP is shouldn't come as a surprise. Evander has been the catalyst for this team's offensive success. Tied for fourth in MLS with eight assists and seventh with seven goals, Evander should claim to be one of the best numbers 10s in the league. But beyond the stats, Evander is the true heart and brain of the Timbers on the pitch. He influences the game's pace and momentum, especially when they get rolling on the offensive end. If Evander stays healthy and motivated, Portland will continue to be dangerous.
Offensive Player of the Year… so far
Felipe More
This was the most challenging pick, as there were arguments for any of the three leading attacking players for the Timbers. But, if you go by stats and who is finishing the most, the Chilean Felipe Mora has to be the Offensive player of the year thus far. Mora leads the team in goals scored (8, tied for sixth in the MLS) and also leads the team in xG with 7.36. It's good to see Mora become an offensive force after the last couple of injury-filled seasons he has had in Portland.
Defensive Player of the Year… so far
Dario Župarić
The defensive improvement over the last six games can be traced back to one specific move: making Dario Zuparic a mainstay in the starting line-up. Not only do the statistics show it, cutting down the goals allowed, but the Župarić also passes the eye test. He is consistently the one Timber making tackles, running down passes, and giving the defense life. The Croatian will need to continue to play at a high level, as three defensive mainstays will be gone for international duties.
Newcomer of the Year… So Far
Jonathan Rodriguez
If Evander is the team's brain, then Jonathan Rodriguez is the adrenal gland. The Uruguayan's runs open up the field for Mora to take advantage of. Rodriguez leads the team with 17 shots on target and 42 total shot attempts. Both of these statistics show Rodriguez in the top half of the league, which is even more impressive when you remember he didn't join Portland until the fourth game of the season. If Rodriguez can convert more of those chances into goals, the Timbers will continue to climb in the Western Conference.
Disappointing Player(s)... So Far
Antony & Santiago Moreno
There isn't an easy way to say this, so here it is. Both Antony and Santiago Moreno have been inconsistent this year. Both were brought in to impact the team immediately, but they have been irregular starters and have had their minutes cut. Flashes from both players, especially Antony, have been shown on the field, but Portland needs both South Americans to show up and show out if they want to make it deep into the playoffs.
Player to Breakout in Second half
Nathan Fogaça and David Ayala
If certain rumors are true, and both players mentioned above continue to be inconsistent, then Nathan Fogaça and David Ayala will have a breakout second half of the season. Both have already shown glimpses of what they can be and if they can put more of those performances together, this last stretch could be a successful one for the Timbers.
What to expect in the second half of the season
The Timbers' first half of the season was hectic, and the second half will be no easier. The League Cup starts on July 28th, and the Timbers have seven games before then. Copa America starts on June 20th, and they will have three starters, Max Crepeau (Canada), Kamal Miller (Canada), and Miguel Araujo (Peru), away on international duty. Adding to the chaos are the rumors circulating that fan favorite Dairon Asprilla has been signed back to his boyhood club, Atletico Nacional, from Colombia's Primera A.
The schedule also revs up. Portland still has two games against the Galaxy, Real Salt Lake, Vancouver, and Seattle. They also have return matches against St. Louis, Colorado, and Minnesota, all of whom will fight for the same playoff spots as the Timbers.
Fortunately for Portland, they do not have to worry about the long road trips to Eastern Conference opponents. The Timbers' two longest road trips, to Columbus and Charlotte, occurred during the first eleven games of the season. Their longest remaining trip is a mid-week game in Dallas. Also, most of their remaining games—nine of the last 16—are at Providence Park.
This is to say… the second half of the season will be tough. If the Timbers do make the playoffs, it is because they earned a spot. If they can stay consistent with the stellar offense and resurgent defense, stay healthy, and keep a deep bench, expect the Timbers to continue to climb up the Western Conference.