In the time since the Portland Timbers’ 3-2, Wednesday night loss to the LA Galaxy, a pair of themes have emerged around that night’s lineup decisions. First, in making 11 changes to his starters, head coach Giovanni Savarese was giving his most-used players a needed rest. Second, in the players who did walk out for the opening kickoff, the Timbers believed they chose a team capable of delivering the desired result.
“I personally felt it was a good opportunity to be able to put a team that could compete,” Savarese said on Friday, explaining his choices both in terms of his starters’ needs and the contributions their teammates have made to earn their time.