Inside PTFC | Portland Timbers' new status will require a mental evolution

It was there at the first half’s end against the San Jose Earthquakes, something we aren’t accustomed to seeing from the Portland Timbers this season. When it resurfaced in the final quarter-hour, the mood become undeniable. For perhaps the first time this season, the Timbers were too lax, too comfortable with a lead; maybe even overconfident. They were struggling with their own control.

“I thought for the majority of the match, we did a lot of good things …” Timbers head coach Giovanni Savarese offered after the match. After all, his team extended their unbeaten streak to 13 games with their 2-1 victory. “But then we didn’t capitalize on those chances, and at the end of the game, we…