Advertisement

Amid defensive skid, Timbers coach Phil Neville looks to Claudio Bravo for potential turnaround

Amid defensive skid, Timbers coach Phil Neville looks to Claudio Bravo for potential turnaround

It's the glimpses that have Portland Timbers coach Phil Neville clutching onto the possibility of a defensive rectification. Despite having one of the worst statistical defenses in the MLS this season, the Timbers (2-4-4, 10 points) have produced unblemished stretches sustained up to 45 minutes at times. Undeterred on Tuesday as he navigated a thoroughly soaked practice field, Neville came back to the theme with his team, pointing to instances where they've showcased suddenly unified focus along the backline.