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Portland Timbers Vs D.C. United: 3 things we learned – VAR controversy

By Tanner Rebelo

WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 21: D.C. United forward Paul Arriola (7) after missing a chance during a MLS match between D.C. United and the New York Red Bulls, on August 21, 2019, at Audi Field, in Washington D.C.(Photo by Tony Quinn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 21: D.C. United forward Paul Arriola (7) after missing a chance during a MLS match between D.C. United and the New York Red Bulls, on August 21, 2019, at Audi Field, in Washington D.C.(Photo by Tony Quinn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – AUGUST 04: Wayne Rooney #9 of D.C. United passes the ball in the first half against the Philadelphia Union at Audi Field on August 4, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – AUGUST 04: Wayne Rooney #9 of D.C. United passes the ball in the first half against the Philadelphia Union at Audi Field on August 4, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /

2. Lack of clinical edge concerning

This match had all the makings of a wet and wide-open contest for both teams. D.C. United were able to create their fair share of goal-scoring opportunities on the night but simply failed to finish those chances. Portland were in a similar boat, failing to convert the chances that they did create.

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Part of the Portland Timbers’ issue was not having their leading goalscorer Brian Fernandez on the pitch, but for D.C. United, they have to feel their offense severely underperformed in this one. The only goal of the game was an own goal. Portland took a total of 23 shots but only four of those found their target with a rather easy day for Bill Hamid.

When they were able to get into the final third, United failed to get bodies into the box. Truth be told, D.C. had two goals in this match, but more on that later. Ben Olsen’s side has been in complete disarray over the past couple of months, falling from the top spot in the East to fifth place in the standing.

While they will take these three points, with Wayne Rooney departing for Derby County and the Luciano Acosta situation still not resolved, United need to make the most of this season. The fact that their overall play in the final third on Saturday left a lot to be desired is a little concerning, then.

Portland, on the other hand, upped the ante in the closing 15 minutes of the second half with Diego Valeri leading the charge. But not having Fernandez and Blanco made their offense rather ineffective, which is troubling if and when the playoffs roll around.

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