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Portland Timbers: 5 key players to watch in 2020

By Hilario Muniz

PORTLAND, OREGON - FEBRUARY 22: The Portland Timbers stand during the singing of the National Anthem before a game against the New England Revolution at Providence Park at Providence Park on February 22, 2020 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OREGON - FEBRUARY 22: The Portland Timbers stand during the singing of the National Anthem before a game against the New England Revolution at Providence Park at Providence Park on February 22, 2020 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images) /
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SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JULY 21: Jeremy Ebobisse #17 of Portland Timbers dribbles with the ball in the first half against the Seattle Sounders during their game at CenturyLink Field on July 21, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JULY 21: Jeremy Ebobisse #17 of Portland Timbers dribbles with the ball in the first half against the Seattle Sounders during their game at CenturyLink Field on July 21, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

1. Jeremy Ebobissee

The Jeremy Ebobissee story in Portland is hard to forecast. The 23-year-old forward is looking to spend some time with the National Team in the early part of the MLS season, but when he returns, he might struggle to find significant playing time in a crowded offensive squad. Nevertheless, he might have one of the more interesting narratives to keep an eye on this season.

Ebobisse has always been there for the club, even when he saw his playing time shrink in his sophomore season in MLS. He returned back the Timbers first team and helped lead them to the 2018 MLS Cup, but was then usurped by DP signing Brian Fernandez. Then, after taking charge in Fernandez’ absence and tying his team-high for goals in the season netting 11, he has again been cast an afterthought this offseason.

The Portland Timbers already had a crowded attack when they signed two DPs and kept both Diego Valeri and Sebastian Blanco. They then added Felipe Mora, another striker, on loan from Liga MX side UNAM Pumas. As these additions should bode well with fans of the club, Ebobissee is placed in another and seemingly deeper hole to dig himself out of and prove himself.

Next. Seattle Sounders: 5 key players to watch in 2020. dark

The Portland Timbers have a lot to live up to this season. They have added talent, piled on their expectations, and now hope for terrific success. And Ebobisse has a knack for playing a part, even when it looks like he is a long way down the pecking order.

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