Photo: Earl Gardner

All time record: 1–2–3
At Talen Energy Stadium: 1–0–2
At Providence Park: 0–2–1
Goals Scored: 5
Goals Against: 5

Did you know…

The Union have never defeated Portland Timbers in Portland.

July 11, 2015: Philadelphia Union 3-0 Portland Timbers

PSP Match Report Highlights

Andrew Wenger scored his first goal of the season and Vincent Nogueira netted a brilliant brace, with Cristian Maidana assisting each goal. to lead Philadelphia Union to a 3-0 victory over Portland Timbers at PPL Park.

Wenger scored a powerful left footed drive from 25 yards to open the scoring in the 69th minute. Nogueira doubled the Union’s lead just two minutes later with a great finish of his own. A beautiful passage of play between himself and Chaco Maidana ended with the Frenchman smashing home from six yards.

Jim Curtin called the match the Union’s “most comprehensive win of the season” in his postgame press conference.

PSP Analysis and Player Ratings Highlights

There may only be one benefit to having a bad record: Good teams tend to overlook you. Even with their offense banged up, Seattle thought they could escape Philly with a point with a “B” squad; CJ Sapong disagreed. And Portland looked to do the same Saturday night, dropping Jeanderson and Taylor Peay — who had a combined six minutes of prior MLS experience — into their first starts and giving Andrew Weber his first minutes of 2015 behind them.

For the second time in a row, the Union made a Western Conference opponent pay for taking them lightly.

PSP Postgame Video and Quotes

PSP Photo Essay

Link to Match Center for Stats, Chalkboard and more

Philadelphia Union
Brian Sylvestre, Fabinho, Richie Marquez, Maurice Edu, Ray Gaddis, Brian Carroll, Vincent Nogueira, Cristian Maidana (Fred 89′), Andrew Wenger (Zac Pfeffer 78′), Sebastien Le Toux (Sheanon Williams 85′), CJ Sapong
Unused Subs: John McCarthy, Ethan White, Conor Casey, Antoine Hoppenot

Portland Timbers
Andrew Weber, Taylor Peay, Nat Borchers, Liam Ridgewell, Jeanderson, Will Johnson, Jack Jewsbury (Michael Nanchoff 83′), Diego Valeri, Rodney Wallace (Dairon Asprilla 74′), Gaston Fernandez, Fanedo Adi
Unused Subs: Jake Gleeson, Nick Besler, Andy Thoma, George Fochive, Michael Nanchoff

Scoring Summary
PHI: Andrew Wenger (Chaco Maidana) — 69
PHI: Vincent Nogueira (Chaco Maidana) — 71
PHI: Vincent Nogueira (Chaco Maidana) — 82

Disciplinary Summary
PHI: Maurice Edu (foul) — 35
PHI: Sebastien Le Toux (high kick) — 65
PHI: Diego Valeri (foul) — 86

March 8, 2014: Portland Timbers 1-1 Philadelphia Union

PSP Match Report Highlights

On a rain-soaked night in the Pacific Northwest, Philadelphia Union controlled most of the game but gifted the Portland Timbers a last-second equalizer to leave Providence Park with only one point.

Gaston Fernandez’s goal off a corner kick on the match’s last play stunned the Union, who had to that point outplayed one of this year’s favorites for the MLS Cup.

PSP Player Ratings and Analysis Highlights

Let’s get it out of the way:

Oof. What a gut-punching, painful way to end a match.

First, the team’s most veteran presence in Brian Carroll launches an all-too-familiar hoof forward when better, simpler options were available. Then he tries an unnecessary side volley when the prior straight-ahead hoof would have done the job. Cue Gaston Fernandez standing along next to Zac MacMath while Fabinho and Ray Gaddis ambivalently jog towards other marks and Antoine Hoppenot trots in far too late.

It was a very bad moment for a number of players that cost the Union two points on the night.

Ok. Enough of that.

Postgame quotes

Link to Match Center for Stats, Chalkboard and more

Philadelphia Union
Zac MacMath, Fabinho, Austin Berry, Amobi Okugo, Ray Gaddis, Brian Carroll, Maurice Edu, Vincent Nogueira, Cristian Maidana (Antoine Hoppenot, 80′ ), Sebastien Le Toux (Danny Cruz, 70′), Jack McInerney (Aaron Wheeler, 87′)
Unused substitutes: Andre Blake, Corben Bone, Leo Fernandes, Michael Lahoud

Portland Timbers
Donovan Ricketts, Jack Jewsbury (Steve Zakuani, 85′),, Norberto Paparatto, Michael Harrington, Pa Modou Kah (Mamadou Danso, 34′), Diego Chara, Diego Valeri, Will Johnson, Darlington Nagbe, Gastón Fernández, Maximiliano Urruti (Kalif Alhassan, 73′)
Unused substitutes: Michael Nanchoff, Andrew Weber, Frédéric Piquionne, Ben Zemanski

Scoring summary
PHI: 64′ Jack McInerney (Maurice Edu, Cristián Maidana)
POR: 90′ + 4 Gastón Fernández

Disciplinary summary
PHI 15′ Fabinho (Off the ball foul)
PHI 59′ Jack McInerney (Foul)
PHI 75 ‘ Ray Gaddis (Foul)
POT 88’ Diego Chara (Foul)

July 20, 2013: Philadelphia Union 0-0 Portland Timbers

PSP Match Report Highlights

Smart goalkeeping and chaotic weather highlighted a goalless draw Saturday that saw both the Union and the Timbers control the match for extended periods but fail to score.

After a half hour of dominant play from Portland, Danny Cruz single-handedly crafted the two best chances of the first half before a powerful storm caused an extended halftime delay.

Once play resumed, the match went end-to-end with Union goalkeeper Zac MacMath showing courage and quickness and his Portland counterpart, Donovan Ricketts, displaying his fastest reflexes. Both keepers earned themselves a clean sheet and their respective sides a share of the spoils.

PSP Player Ratings and Analysis Highlights

It’s hard to imagine a match that features two more contrasting styles than Philadelphia vs. Portland.

In one short, half-season, Caleb Porter has transformed the Timbers into a quick passing, interchanging machine for possession. Even without Rodney Wallace, arguably Portland’s most dangerous one-on-one attacker, the Timbers brought plenty of firepower to trouble the Union defense.

The hosts countered with a style that has more and more become their calling card. Long balls out of the back and wide balls from the midfield look to spring their two wingers, who it’s almost impossible to call midfielders given their style of play and the location on the pitch where they operate.

PSP Photo Essay

PSP video of postgame press conference and locker room interviews

Link to Match Center for Stats, Chalkboard and more

Philadelphia Union
Zac MacMath; Sheanon Williams, Amobi Okugo, Jeff Parke, Ray Gaddis; Sebastien Le Toux, Michael Farfan (Leo Fernandes ’69), Brian Carroll, Danny Cruz (Fabinho ’79); Jack McInerney (Antoine Hoppenot ’82), Conor Casey
Unused substitutes: Chris Konopka, Matt Kassel, Kleberson, Aaron Wheeler

Portland Timbers
Donovan Ricketts; Jack Jewsbury, Andrew Jean-Baptiste, Pa Modou Kah, Michael Harrington; Will Johnson, Darlington Nagbe (Kalif Alhassan ’90), Diego Valeri, Diego Chara (Ben Zemanski ’46); Ryan Johnson (Jose Valencia ’74), Frederic Piquionne
Unused substitutes: Milos Kocic, Ryan Miller, Sal Zizzo, Futty Danso

Scoring Summary
None

Discipline Summary
43 – PHI: Casey (caution)
75 – PHI: Fernandes (caution)

Referee
Ricardo Salazar

March 12, 2012: Portland Timbers 3-1 Philadelphia Union

PSP Match Report Highlights

The Philadelphia Union did not get off to the start they were looking for in 2012, slumping to a 3–1 defeat at Portland’s Jeld-Wen Stadium on a rainy Monday night. Gabriel Gomez, Lionard Pajoy, Josue Martinez and Porfirio Lopez all debuted for the new look Union on a night when they experimented with formations and tactics throughout.

In the 66th minute, the Timbers charged into the lead when Lopez gave Kalif Alhassan time to deliver an inch perfect cross onto the head of Kris Boyd, whose glancing header left MacMath with no chance. It would be hard to say that it was not fair reward for a long spell of pressure.

PSP Player Ratings and Analysis Highlights

The Union’s over-thinking of their defensive strategy ended up putting not only their fullbacks, but also their holding midfielders out of position, allowing Portland to build comfortably through the center of the pitch before exploiting the copious spaces left outside of the narrow, part-time back three.

Freddy Adu, Michael Farfan and Josue Martinez were all guilty of over-dribbling when they gained possession. Perhaps it was a factor of so many new players playing a constantly rotating system, but the lack of familiarity and quick passing crippled the Union attack.

Link to Match Center for Stats, Chalkboard and more

Scoring Summary
51′ – Philadelphia: Gabriel Gomez
54′ – Portland: Andrew-Jean Baptiste (Jack Jewsbury)
66′ – Portland: Kris Boyd (Kalif Alhassan)
76′ – Portland: Kalif Alhassan (Jack Jewsbury)

Lineups
Philadelphia Union
Starters: Zac MacMath; Sheanon Williams, Danny Califf, Carlos Valdes, Porfirio Lopez; Freddy Adu (Jack McInerney ’74), Brian Carroll, Gabriel Gomez, Michael Farfan (Keon Daniel ’79), Josue Martinez (Danny Mwanga ’60); Lionard Pajoy
Unused subs: Chase Harrison, Amobi Okugo, Christhian Hernandez, Gabriel Farfan

Total shots: 5; Fouls: 14 Offsides: 0; Corner kicks: 1 Saves: 4

Portland Timbers
Troy Perkins; Rodney Wallace, Will Brunner, Andrew-Jean Baptiste, Lovel Palmer; Eric Alexander (Darlington Nagbe ’66), Jack Jewsbury, Diego Chara, Kalif Alhassan; Jorge Perlaza, Kris Boyd (James Marcelin ’80)
Unused subs: Jake Gleeson, Mike Chabala, Bright Dike, Freddie Braun, Ryan Kawulok

Total shots: 17; Fouls: 8; Offsides: 2; Corner kicks: 7; Saves: 1

September 10, 2011: Philadelphia Union 0–0 Portland Timbers

PSP match report highlight:

The Portland Timbers came into Chester and ground out a 0-0 draw with a frustrated Philadelphia Union team on Saturday night.

With the draw, the Union still have not won since beating New England on July 17. After storming back to grab a point in Wednesday night’s 4-4 draw, they will be disappointed with only one point from a game where three were definitely there for the taking.

PSP player ratings and analysis highlight:

One of the major frustrations this season has been the instability in the starting line up. Lately, a lot of the comments on the PSP addressing how it sometimes takes until the second half for Nowak to put out a line up that many would like to see as the starting XI. Against Portland, the starting line up was one most of us would put out every week.

It was good to see Nowak going with a positive line up against an opponent that seemed likely to be happy with a draw. Whether or not that line up was a success is largely debatable—many will look at the goose egg on the scoreboard and say that it was not. But it was a sensible, positive line up and it gave up no goals…

We were all hoping to see Adu as the driving force in an offense that so sorely needs a driving force, particularly after his promising play against New England. Unfortunately, against Portland we saw what was perhaps Adu’s most disappointing performance for the Union so far. He appeared reluctant to press forward on occasion, content instead to find easy passes and backwards balls, although he did provide a glimpse of his ability on the ball just seconds before he was subbed out. His cheeky step over moves on the right side of the Portland box were impressive, as was his service on the play, whipping in a low cross from his dangerous left foot. But those moments were too few and far between.

PSP photo essay of the game

Download: Full Game Guide

Link to MLS Match Center for Stats, Chalkboard and more.

Scoring summary
None

Misconduct Summary
POR — Kalif Alhassan (caution; Reckless Tackle) 46+
POR — Jack Jewsbury (caution; Reckless Tackle) 80
PHI — Carlos Valdes (caution; Handball) 82

Lineups
Portland Timbers — Troy Perkins, Lovel Palmer, Eric Brunner, David Horst, Mike Chabala, Sal Zizzo (Darlington Nagbe 81), Jack Jewsbury, Diego Chara, Kalif Alhassan (Rodney Wallace 72), Kenny Cooper, Jorge Perlaza (Bright Dike 60).
Unused subs: Eric Alexander, James Marcelin, Steve Purdy, Jake Gleeson.

Philadelphia Union — Zac MacMath, Sheanon Williams, Danny Califf, Carlos Valdes, Michael Farfan, Sebastien Le Toux, Freddy Adu (Jack McInerney 63), Brian Carroll, Roger Torres (Justin Mapp 56), Veljko Paunovic (Kyle Nakazawa 77), Danny Mwanga.
Unused subs: Gabriel Farfan, Stefani Miglioranzi, Amobi Okugo, Thorne Holder.

Referee: Chris Penso
Referee’s Assistants: Adam Wienckowski; Matthew Kreitzer
4th Official: Daniel Fitzgerald
Time of Game: 1:53
Attendance: 18,504
Weather: Partly Cloudy-and-81-degrees

May 6, 2011: Portland Timbers 1–0 Philadelphia Union

PSP match report highlight:

How thin the line between success and failure.

Less than a week after the Union earned three points with ten men, the Philadelphia Union could not overcome changes in their back line and a narrow Jeld-Wen field.

A 72nd minute set piece goal from Mamadou Danso handed the Union their second straight 1-0 west coast defeat. Aside from the continued offensive dearth, this match showed just how much Philadelphia’s success relies on their magnificent defense…

The strange lineup could do nothing to prevent the Portland goal. A set piece is all about individual matchups, and without Califf on the field there was nobody to handle Danso’s sizable frame. In a scene incredibly reminiscent of the Los Angeles goal, a deep free kick near the middle of the pitch was lofted to the back post. Danso had only nod in the winner.

Nowak threw on Jack Mac and Roger Torres to stimulate the offense. Torres was having one of his off nights and… well, the truth is that any number of strikers will be limited if one of them only moves north and south. If you don’t drag a defense out of position at this level, they won’t offer many lanes.

PSP player ratings and analysis highlight:

4-4-2. 4-3-3. 4-2-2-2. Much like a great set of instruments is only as good as the band, soccer tactics are only as good as the players on the field.

The Union have given serious minutes to a lot of players that were not in the rotation last year. The new defense is a winner. The new midfield? Fits and starts.

The offense… well, the striker brought in to replace Alejandro Moreno already has as many goals as the departed veteran. The two returning offensive leaders, Le Toux and Mwanga, have one goal between them. A penalty kick…

A month into a season that has yet to see a two-goal game and it’s clear that there are no offensive leaders on this team. They have struggled to possess the ball, let alone create scoring opportunities. The bright spots are isolated, like stars that don’t form any constellation no matter how you look at them.

The real fear underlying all these questions is that the Union think they have a plan but the execution has been so poor that we, the pseudo-academicians who devote our time to Unionology, have yet to identify it. Is this a counterattacking team? If so, why is our slowest, smallest striker playing highest up the pitch? Is this a long ball team? If so, where is the midfield pressure when the ball is played deep? This certainly isn’t a possession team. If it was, Keon Daniel would not stand out like a rose among the ruins just for his ability to hold the ball and play to feet.

The truth that the Portland game exposed is that the Union did not know what they would be coming into the season. They made acquisitions and expected improvements. But the nature of the changes was unclear even to the coaching staff. The defensive unit’s stellar performances have resulted in a reluctance to address the team’s one-goal-is-enough mindset. And much like a gambler who stays on his hot table until long after the winnings have disappeared, the Union will find that the aggressive nature of most MLS teams means mistaking luck for tactics is a poor substitute for a true offensive rethink.

Download: Full Game Guide

Link to MLS Match Center for Stats, Chalkboard and more.

Scoring summary:
POR – Mamadou Danso (Jack Jewsbury ) 72’

Misconduct Summary
POR — Jorge Perlaza (caution; Reckless Tackle) 18
PHI — Justin Mapp (caution; Reckless Tackle) 25
POR — Eric Brunner (caution; Unsporting Behavior) 87
PHI — Sheanon Williams (caution; Unsporting Behavior) 87
POR — Rodney Wallace (caution; Delaying a Restart) 91+

Lineups:
Philadelphia Union — Faryd Mondragon, Sheanon Williams, Gabriel Farfan (Kyle Nakazawa 64), Carlos Valdes, Michael Farfan, Sebastien Le Toux, Justin Mapp (Roger Torres 78), Amobi Okugo (Jack McInerney 78), Brian Carroll, Danny Mwanga, Carlos Ruiz.
Unused subs: Chris Agorsor, Stefani Miglioranzi, Ryan Richter, Zac MacMath.

Portland Timbers — Troy Perkins, Jeremy Hall, Eric Brunner, Mamadou Danso, Rodney Wallace, Darlington Nagbe (Sal Zizzo 57), Jack Jewsbury, Diego Chara, Kalif Alhassan (James Marcelin 81), Kenny Cooper, Jorge Perlaza (Ryan Pore 89).
Unused subs: David Horst, Adam Moffat, Steve Purdy, Jake Gleeson.

Referee: Silviu Petrescu
Referee’s Assistants: Jason Cullum; Eric Proctor
4th Official: Drew Fischer
Attendance: 18,627
Weather: Rain-and-51-degrees