Canadian core aims to solve Timbers’ defensive set-piece woes in 2024

The Portland Timbers defense is aiming to take a major step forward in 2024 with a Canadian core spearheading the quest for a bounce-back season.

Despite allowing fewer expected goals from set pieces (SP xGA) than over half of the teams in MLS last season, the Timbers’ 11 set-piece goals conceded still saw them finish in the top third (or bottom third depending on how you look at it) of that unwanted category.

The Timbers are now aiming to rectify their set-piece disappointments of the past with three veteran leaders at the heart of their defense: centerbacks Kamal Miller and Zac McGraw, and goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau.

“We looked at it as a team perspective. We compared the stats. Corner kicks, set pieces, goals for, goals against, every category we’ve just got to get a little bit better, and those are the small margins that get you in the playoffs,” newly acquired Canadian international center-back Kamal Miller told SBI. “We conceded – I think – fourteen from set pieces last year. If we can get that to five or six then we’re right in there. That’s how a lot of goals are scored, especially in this league.”

According to Opta, it was only 11, but an area for improvement, nonetheless.

Miller will partner McGraw in central defense with Canadian international goalkeeper Crepeau standing behind them after making the move north from LAFC. The FIFA (sorry, EA FC) chemistry rating is skyrocketing for Portland, but the team is literally getting shorter. McGraw may be 6’4” but Miller is an inch shorter than the uninspiring 6’1” of Daniel Zuparic who he will replace in the starting lineup. Crepeau is three inches shorter than 6’2” David Bingham, who departed to Charlotte FC.

So how does these teammates expect to assist McGraw in the air? “Aggressive,” Miller succinctly described the necessary approach to set pieces.

“You’ve got to have a big heart,” he added. “The guy that you’re challenging might be 6’3” [or] 6’4 but if you jump, get into his body, and knock him off balance then he’s not going to score. It’s just about being brave, putting our bodies on the line, and really defending these set pieces eleven guys at a time. No individual, no one guy is going to go win the ball. We can’t just expect Zac [McGraw] to clear everything. We’ve got to all put in our shift.”

Due to the quality of set-piece service throughout MLS, this physicality has to be met with equal accountability, according to Crépeau.

“I believe it’s just accountability with one another,” the Canadian goalkeeper explained. “Set pieces [are] about making plays. At the end of the day, you know exactly how through a season set pieces [play] an important role so you have to be accountable on those.”

As Crepeau put it, their role is to instill confidence in one another. The newly appointed head coach for 2024, Phil Neville, began that trend with the acquisition of Miller who described his manager as someone who, “believes in me through thick and thin. Even if I make a mistake he’s right there to pick me up.” This heart, accountability, and sheer desire often prevails in set-piece situations.

Assembling a Canadian core should only assist in these endeavors. As opposed to Miller, who has played with both teammates for Canada, Crepeau and McGraw had actually never played together until moving to Portland.

Regardless, Crepeau believes this Canadian trio will use their patriotic pride as fuel for success.

“It’s a core that’s good to be together because we have a head start. It’s not like we’re completely strangers,” Crepeau said.

“We’re taking a lot of pride as well in the fact that we have the Canadian triangle there,” he added. “We’re not taking it lightly. I think it will reflect a lot of our success this year. If the three of us are successful I think the team will be healthy.”