PORTLAND, Ore. – Tuesday's US Open Cup match against the San Jose Earthquakes saw the Portland Timbers make four changes to the starting lineup from the 1-0 league win over the Quakes on June 1, but Portland still came away with a comfortable 2-0 win.
Depth has been a significant part of the 2016 Timbers' roster construction. So when significant changes are called for, the Timbers can still bring in players like Jack Jewsbury, Jack McInerney, Jack Barmby and Amobi Okugo.
A seasoned pro, Jewsbury has played 338 MLS matches, while Okugo and McInerney boast 136 and 154, respectively. Even Barmby, just 21 years old, has already made seven appearances for the Timbers since joining the team from English champions Leicester City this spring.
"It's always nice to see the boys come in," team captain Liam Ridgewell told media after the match. "It's obviously nice to see Barmbs come in and do very well, and Amobi come in. As a veteran, to see some young players come in and do well is always enjoyable."
Having advanced in the Open Cup, and with the CONCACAF Champions League starting later in the summer, the Timbers will need their depth players to step up in the coming months.
"This season has been a little difficult with injuries and people coming in and out," said Ridgewell. "It is always a little bit tricky. But I feel like we are getting into our stride at the minute; denying people shots and space and crosses is always a big part of it. I am pleased tonight to get a clean sheet and for the boys to get the win."
That defensive effort was a hallmark of the Timbers' 2015 MLS Cup run, and back-to-back shutouts – the Timbers' first two of the 2016 season – are an important building block.
"It was important for us to keep the unbeaten streak going," Ridgewell said, "and win a game at home, and, personally, for the back five to get a clean sheet."
