3-2-4-1 shape IP, create wide overloads to send crosses into the box. Slow, controlled possession in middle third to force opposition teams deeper into their own half. Use DPs to unlock the blocks. #RCTID

Not the biggest fan of the Minoungou trade, but I get it. Wonder why Seattle turned down a cash offer in the winter but accepted a GAM offer (although $2M GAM is a LOT). From the COL perspective, I think it's an overpay. Elite dribbler, but the Pids need end product.

Dallas needs a consistent creator at the 10, and Moreno's trademark inconsistency might be a problem for them. I wonder how much the purchase option is. #RCTID

Cole Bassett did not train today. "He's still feeling a bit in the bottom of his foot. He wants to be out here." -Phil Neville #RCTID

Phil Neville says that Justin McClean will be out for "a long time." "There's a good chance he'll be out for the season." #RCTID

Good morning from Timbers training. Jose Caicedo is greeted with a celebratory tunnel after his visa was cleared. #RCTID

This is one of the talking points that I actually disagree with. There is a primary tactical system that Neville wants to employ. However, it's very exploitable and beatable. #RCTID

There's one major problem with Charlotte's method: Seattle isn't forking over 7-figure fees for NEXTPRO players. They're identifying talent locally and bringing them through the academy. 75% is proper coaching, not just acquiring young talent.

International break? How about a mailbag? Leave your questions below, and I'll answer them in an upcoming article. #RCTID

What is an OMAR? Tune in to find out!

There’s at least three (maybe more) full analyses in here. •Timbers in and out of possession before and after the red •The ICE Out signs •Phil’s outburst Go read them #RCTID

So many positives it’s a shame about the red card. #RCTID

On Soccer City USA Day, the events on the field were overshadowed by a needed display of free speech and a stress-driven release. #RCTID

My recap of yesterday's draw. #RCTID

For clarity's sake, I asked the officiating crew about Kamal Miller's red card. It's a very good response. #RCTID

"It's so important for me to show my calmness because I think the team feeds off that. There's a lot of responsibility on the goalkeeper." -James Pantemis #RCTID

"I think everybody was awesome today. The spirit and togetherness we showed was something we want to build on. I think this is a learning lesson for all of us. It should be hard to score a goal on us." -James Pantemis #RCTID

"Obviously it was a tough week. It's not easy to split your head open and get it stitched up." -James Pantemis #RCTID

"We were just hoping for a good counterattack. I don't we succeeded as we hoped to do. I don't feel like we came to positions where we could really hurt them." -Kristoffer Velde #RCTID

Kristoffer Velde says that he started on the right to stay in the pocket with Da Costa. #RCTID

Kristoffer Velde says that the team didn't water the pitch after the team went down to 10 men to slow the game down. #RCTID

"I think we should go in behind more when we're under pressure." -Kristoffer Velde #RCTID

"The first 15 minutes was electric. I think if we stayed with 11 guys on the field it would have been a different result." -Kristoffer Velde #RCTID

"We defended, but I don't think LA was playing good either." -Kristoffer Velde #RCTID

"11 players should be on the field in this type of game. It just disappointed me because I thought we started the game like a proper team." -Phil Neville #RCTID

"We had to be really fluid and adaptable in our system. We kept the four when we went down to 10 men because we wanted to keep our wingers high. When they kept pushing men forward we had to switch to a 5." -Phil Neville #RCTID

"We wanted to put on a performance for the supporters, and I think they saw a team that was very connected. I'm disappointed for everybody connected to this club that we couldn't deliver what we wanted today due to things out of our control." -Phil Neville #RCTID

"We have to get our players back or we're not going to win games of football. The players have been absolutely incredible in difficult situations." -Phil Neville #RCTID

Phil Neville is very proud of Joao Ortiz's performance today. "I thought the experienced players were outstanding." #RCTID

"He desperately wants to help this club win. It's his second goal in two games." -Phil Neville on Kristoffer Velde #RCTID

"I'm gutted for Kevin Kelsy, he trained really well for the previous 10 days." -Phil Neville #RCTID

"Both teams wanted to play a really good football match, and they get ruined by things out of our control." -Phil Neville #RCTID

"I think it was a moment where we lost our composure a bit. I thought it was going to be a really good day for us 11v11." -Phil Neville #RCTID

Seen in the North End after the final whistle. #RCTID

I predicted that this game would be a 1-1 draw that left both teams feeling disappointed. I think the Galaxy are far more disappointed than Portland after that one. #RCTID

Portland's final change of the game is Mora for Antony, who just blazed a shot over the bar following Portland's best period of pressure during the second half. #RCTID

Don't know why Garces escaped a yellow card there. #RCTID

Aravena replaces Velde and Smith replaces Da Costa in the 68th minute. Portland will finish this game without either of their DPs. #RCTID

For a team that concedes a lot after the beginning of halves, this has been an excellent start to the second half. Especially with 10 men. Ortiz has been outstanding. #RCTID

Player wants to play and is upset that he is removed through no fault of his own. I'd be pissed too. #RCTID

Honestly, I'm more angry about how LA equalized than the red card. Especially after I wrote about those EXACT KIND OF BUILDUP PASSES in my preview of this game. #RCTID

Halftime thoughts from the pressbox: -The Bonetig-Kelsy change was done too early. Absolutely a mistake. -The Galaxy, unlike the Seattle Reign, are properly attacking a 10-man team through excellent off-ball movement and incisive passing. #RCTID

Reus throws Chara to the ground, and doesn't get booked. Interesting. #RCTID

The Timbers effectively give away the equalizer as Bonetig plays a suicide pass to a pressured Da Costa, and Reus is able to flick it backwards to Klauss who beats Pantemis with a point-blank finish. 1-1, 30th minute. #RCTID

And poor Kevin Kelsy has to get hooked in the 23rd minute for Bonetig due to the dubious red card. It's just sad. No other way to describe the series of events following Velde's goal. #RCTID

Fischer has sent Kamal Miller off with a straight red card after the Canadian defender catches Klauss' Achilles with the studs of his boot. Incredibly harsh decision, but unfortunately it's by the book. Can't have SHIT. #RCTID

Fory has done an unbelievable job keeping Pec in check, while Ortiz is making every correct decision with the ball. Team looks fluid but prone to long balls due to the high line. I think it's a good pairing of risk and reward. #RCTID

Getting all of your best attackers really close together can create some really good combination plays if the tempo is high enough. That's a quality Timbers goal. #RCTID

DA COSTA FINDS ORTIZ, WHO QUICKLY MOVES IT TO ANTONY, AND VELDE RECEIVES ANOTHER QUICK PASS AND SLOTS IT PAST MARCINKOWSKI AT THE FAR POST TO GIVE THE TIMBERS A 1-0 LEAD IN THE 13TH MINUTE #RCTID

Galaxy have taken 3 shots in the first 10 minutes, but Antony just had the best chance of the game. Good interplay down the right side, a perfect Diego Chara cross, and the Brazilian can't put the near post header on target. Trainers have arrived to check on him. #RCTID