Timbers Designated Player already tying records in MLS
As far as hot starts go, not many can match Brian Fernandez. The Portland Timbers signed the Argentine a little over a month ago to a Designated Player contract and in four MLS games, he’s managed to find the back of the net five times, including in his first MLS start, coming on with 25 minutes to play and salvaging a tie for his new team.
“He’s an excellent player,” said Impact head coach Rémi Garde. “He’s brought new life to this team, a team that was already very solid collectively. Individually, he brings a lot, especially in terms of his efficiency. We’ll need to be focused and those around where he plays will need to keep a close eye on him.”
The 24-year-old has scored in his first four MLS games, tying a league record, adding three more goals in two U.S. Open Cup games as well. The Timbers, on their end, have a record of four wins, a loss, and a draw when he’s on the pitch.
“We need to take a look at the way he moves and at the goals he’s scored,” said full-back Bacary Sagna. “It’s someone we don’t know particularly well and it’s always interesting to study who we’ll face. They’re a good team. Fernandez is an important part of it, but there are others. We need to be focussed.”
Tonight’s game marks the first in three weeks for the Impact, who returns to Stade Saputo for the official start of the second half of the season. Montreal finds itself second in the Eastern Conference, although they’ll be facing a team that’s won four of its last five games in all competitions.
“Of course, we can’t focus just on Fernandez,” added Garde. “Doing so would free up space for Valeri, Blanco, Ebobisse, among others. We know they’re a good offensive team, but that also defends well. They’re balanced. It’ll be up to us to stay disciplined and focused when we don’t have possession.”
