The Weird Derby + Analyzing 8s - Portland Timbers vs Austin FC

It’s Timbers Time and in this week’s episode we break down the last minute chaos in the 2-1 loss to Austin as the Timbers pull the game back from the brink near the end and then throw it away again in comic fashion, but how much can we learn from this game with key players absent? Was it right to sell Kelsy for that big pile of cash? And are we getting enough defense from our 8s? We look at the numbers and do some analysis…  RCTID!This episode's key talking points include:Kevin Kelsy departs for Europe! We rate the sale as our young striker moves to Glasgow for big moneyAustin had the worst away record in the MLS, how did we not see this was a trap game?What was Marti trying to achieve by tucking Caicedo into the back 5?The lack accuracy of the game day information on mlssocer.com is embarrassing for the leagueEric Miller’s on ball limitations were painfully felt in attempting to build out from the back and Marti was notably concerned about his right back position in his presser…Why we need another striker but this isn’t the game to judge Gage Guerra onDo we have the personnel to play out of the back? Will Marti pursue a slow build up or pragmatically shift to more direct play like he did in the second half due to the squad makeup?We’re loving the new Fory chant, and need more player specific songsThe first Austin goal was very nicely done but went wrong in the Portland defense?Despite an overall sub-par performance, Velde’s decision making in the final third continues to improveWith the transfer deadline closing in, will Finn Surman’s insanely good blocks this game be the last we see of him or can we not afford to sell him right now?Antony finally shows some fire and commitment in his appearance off the bench… Is this organic or is he trying to impress potential transfer suitors?The Timbers finally get some penalty luck but luck has the last laugh minutes laterThe eye test says our two 8s are not giving us much on defense, but what do the numbers say? We ran a statistical analysis on Da Costa and Bassett against some other players in the league…The finish to the weekend’s T2 game was one for the ages!Ned has a lot of work to do before the deadline closes…Content Warning: Some “s” words and similar moderate swearsTimestamps:(0:00) Introduction(1:04) Chit Chat - Fall Vibes(3:02) Transfer Reaction - Kevin Kelsy Departs(9:46) Austin (H) - Pre-Game & Lineups Analysis(19:50) Austin (H) - First Half Analysis(32:28) Austin (H)  - Second Half Analysis(52:50) Austin (H) -  Full Time Thoughts, MOTM & Notable Performances(54:54) Austin (H) - Post Game Pressers(59:11) The Problem With the Timbers 8s - A Statistical Analysis(1:09:26) Timbers News - Transfers & T2 Update(1:13:04) MLS News and Transfer Window Activity(1:18:01) Next Episode Preview: Minnesota (H)Listener Topics and Questions!Thanks for listening and please do send us your questions or topics for analysis for the next episode: ⁠⁠⁠timberstimepod@gmail.com or DM us on IG:  timberstimepod or leave us a Reddit comment on our episodic r/Timbers post