Portland Timbers bring revamped defense into 2021, but should they have addressed the central midfield? Analysis
Updated 10:38 PM;
Today 10:06 PM
Cristhian Paredes (#22) tries to tap in a pass inside the box as the Portland Timbers open the 2020 MLS season against Minnesota United at Providence Park in Portland, Oregon on Sunday, March 1, 2020. Sean Meagher/Staff
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The Portland Timbers don’t seem to think much needs to change from last year. In fact, the only part of the field that will look any different when the Timbers start their 2021 schedule Tuesday in Honduras is the back line. That’s where Portland has added two new fullbacks who will be the presumed starters: 27-year-old Liga MX veteran Josecarlos van Rankin on the right and 23-year-old Argentine Claudio Bravo on the left. On paper, that certainly makes sense. The Timbers set an MLS record last year for giving up late goals, conceding a whopping 15 in the final 15 minutes of games throughout the season.