Pre/PBP/Post Portland Timbers @ Houston Dynamo, Tuesday 5/15 7:30 PM CT

For folks on the sidelines, bring sunglasses or a hat/visor to block out the blinding lights.

I think we see something closer to the RBNY lineup or guys who we subbed in today (Clark, Camargo, Kandji) getting the start.

 

I hope to see Macoumba Kandji and Watson in the line-up against Portland. Ching is a legend but he is infective recently. Clark and Carr on the right are damn near invisible. I think it's time to introduce Boyd to the Canuck, BB.com, and Cameron.

 

I would love to see Bruin and Kandji start a game together and get 60+ min together. I honestly prefer Watson over Carr on the right. We need a right mid this summer so bad.

 

Kandji is quick on his feet for a tower. Watson has really improved his game, I think that's because RedAce practically called him out publicly. Obviously that's not the reason, but still Watson has been playing decently. Don't even get me started on Taylor and Andre! Wow. They both played good games against DC!

 

Hainault had the highest amount of successful passes (56) of all the Dynamo. A very strong match for him as he shut down some fast DCU wing plays.

Watson's style of play is appealing to me, but just hasn't clicked with the team. The matches that he has started in have been the most successful this season though, and yesterday I think he played a strong match in terms of not turning the ball over and not back-passing as much as usual. I know RedAce will disagree, but from a football viewpoint is all I'm saying. I'm not talking about any personal issues with the man.

 

I'd start Kandji Bruin up front just to rest the guys. Ching was exhausted yesterday. I'm sure they'll start Clark and Camargo to rest some of the midfield as well. You can probably expect Ashe to play for Taylor too... maybe. Maybe bring Carr and Kofi in in the end to add attacking speed off the bench or Dixon ( yes I said Dixon)

 

I wonder if he may play Ching on Tuesday but rest him on the turf in NE on Saturday.

 

Good point. Ching doesnt exactly have the best history on turf. Give em a Monster drink and saddle him up for Tuesday!!!!! ( Can you tell I'm still giddy from yesterday, and I wasnt even there)

 

..........................Hall............................

Hainault...Boswell...Cameron...Taylor

Watson....Moffat.....Camargo......Davis

............Bruin.......Kandji.........................

Carr
Ching
Weaver
Ashe
Clark
Deric
Sarkodie

 

anyone have one extra ticket for this game in supporter's section that i can buy from you? 713 518 3822
-Darren

 

You know you're one of my favorite white dudes...right behind CeltTexan and Garmany, but don't be posting your number on a public forum. I do think jvilla07 may have an extra one, though. Try contacting him...

 

Portland Timbers, all-time @ Houston:

08/14/11 HOU 2-1 POR

That is all.

 

Agree with starting Kandji and Camargo. Ashe better be ridin' the bench. Looking forward to seeing a good match.

 

Last five games for Portland:

POR 0-0 CLB
MON 2-0 POR
POR 1-0 SKC
LAG 3-1 POR
POR 1-2 CHV

The have not played since that May 5 game against Columbus but they only have the one home win in their recent string of games. Their offense has really sputtered scoring just 3 goals in those 5 games while allowing 7.

And this year continues their road woes. Portland is now 2-12-7 all-time in road games. Their only road wins ever were last year against Chicago (July 16) and Vancouver (October 2).

 

Potential rain tomorrow. 60% chance

 

I felt like Kandji was trying really hard for the short amount of time he was in the game Saturday. I think he's worth another longer look.

 

Both wins came above the Mason-Dixon line.

 

You raise a good question. Does Boyd get any special treatment from the SG's?

 

Why would he? What has he really done to get anybody's hatred? Are you implying he should be thanked for not signing with Houston?

He's a non-factor. He never suited up for us and now that he's playing he hasn't been all that for Portland.

 

Hell... if anything... a 'thanks for getting us our Captain back' chant. He turned out to be somewhat helpful in that fiasco.

 

It'll be the battle of the Scots, this Tuesday night.

 

Kandji can play outside right as well. Worth a look considering Dom has been playing a speedy forward of ours out there in Carr.
In coaching and starting line ups I always looked to leverage my best 11, best guys in current form, happy feet, somehow leverage form and positions to get our best out there to start a game. Then chess move the pieces as needed. Clark, Carr and Kandji can all play up top or out wide. Dixon ad well right. I like this flexibility in a team.
With all that said, we do need a true right half for Dom's diamond 4-4-2.

 

He left a bad taste in my mouth considering we discovered him, made him an offer that he was agreeable to, only to have him back out at the last minute because of the weather (WTF?). I think a sign that says something like: "Hey Boyd, real men can stand the heat!" would be appropriate.

The fact that he hasn't done cr@p in Portland is icing.