Caleb Porter's plan was simple: play the counterattack to unlock the New York Red Bulls' press.
And it took all of a few seconds for Portland to reimagine their approach.
Speedy attacker Darren Mattocks was key to the Timbers' game plan. However, he fell injured in the first minute and had to be replaced three minutes later in Sunday's scoreless draw with New York at Red Bull Arena. That left Porter to tinker with his lineup in hopes of grabbing a result against the high-tempo Red Bulls.
"We felt through Mattocks and Lucas [Melano] that we could find space. We lose one guy that could have brought those things, so it changed our effectiveness," Porter said following the encounter. "Lucas still found space on the counter. [Substitute Ned] Grabavoy did a good job, gave us a different look as far as keeping the ball. When we moved him inside underneath [Fanendo] Adi and slid Darlington [Nagbe] on the left, we were dangerous and I thought we would get the goal."
Porter focused on the positives of the performance, praising his side for its ability to play a disciplined defensive style and keep the Red Bulls on their toes despite their weakened counter options. Of course, losing talented players is nothing new to the Timbers. They have been missing key contributors all year.
"Any good coach will tell you, you are only as good as your players," Porter said. "I am a really good coach with really good players, but [Liam Ridgewell] missed over half the season. These things get lost in the shuffle. Darlington missed 6-7 games. [Diego] Valeri missed 4-5 games. Darren, 30 seconds into the game."
Nevertheless, the team continues to collect points. Portland are 3-0-4 in their last seven matches -- a drastic turnaround from their 3-6-4 start to the season.
"[The four draws are] equal to two wins and that's seven games unbeaten," said Porter. "We are in a good rhythm right now. That's two clean sheets in a row.
"I told the guys as we reach this stage in the season, it's important you buckle down and defend well. Games get tighter and often one goal unlocks it. We weren't able to find that goal, but neither did they. If you can't find a goal on the road, buckle down and get the point."
