Portland Timbers: Ebobisse and Niezgoda are an emerging dynamic duo
By Daniel Garza
The Portland Timbers have reached the MLS is Back Tournament thanks to a new dynamic duo
It’s been a terrific MLS is Back Tournament for the Portland Timbers. The Western Conference club have been in great form during their tournament run. They’ve been a very consistent side who have yet to lose a match entering Tuesday night’s final against Orlando City. Only one match stands between them and the title.
Two of the key contributors in the Timber’s successful run have been strikers Jeremy Ebobisse and Jaroslaw Niezgoda. The duo has combined to score six of the 12 goals netted by the Timbers thus far.
Ebobisse has been the main striker for the Timbers as he has started in five of the six matches during the competition. This has given Niezgoda the role of being the go-to substitute for Giovani Savarese on the bench.
Ebobisse and Niezgoda have become a dynamic duo for the Portland Timbers
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Entering this season, it was not clear who would be the starting striker for the Timbers. Ebobisse was coming off of a strong season with 11 goals in 34 appearances while Niezgoda had been leading the Ekstraklasa in scoring before joining the Timbers. They both made a strong case to be the starting striker.
Unfortunately, an early-season injury and heart procedure for Niezgoda took him out of the lineup. January signing Felipe Mora ended up stepping in and taking over the starting role in the Timbers opening fixtures of the 2020 campaign before the postponement of the season. Ebobisse was utilized as a substitute in the first two matches of the season.
Since the season resumed, Ebobisse has been the outright better striker out of the three with his four goals in six matches. Niezgoda has contributed two goals and one assist which has allowed him to continue to get appearances off the bench.
This attacking duo is beginning to look like a real threat to any club they face. With both players scoring it gives opposing backlines no relief in a match. When Ebobisse leaves the pitch, Niezgoda enters and continues to provide a dangerous option on the attack. Not many clubs have the option of swapping out lethal strikers as the Timbers do at the moment.
As the season progresses, both of these players should continue to find the back of the net. Niezgoda was an extremely effective striker in Poland’s top flight and it appears he will translate his success to MLS. For Ebobisse his best season in MLS might be unfolding.
The production of Ebobisse and Niezgoda could be a major factor in how the remainder of the Timbers season goes and how they fare in the MLS is Back final match. Don’t be surprised if this duo both finish with more than 10 goals each this season.