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Between the Lines | Pushing the limits of high pressure

Diego Valeri #3, Timbers vs. Rapids, 9.20.13

Just what does it mean to play high-pressure in Major League Soccer? While NBC ProSoccerTalk.com has an excellent look at the tactical transformation that head coach Caleb Porter has implemented with the team, how does it all play out in real time?


MLS Armchair Analyst Matt Doyle takes a look at the positives and negatives of playing a high pressure system, focusing in on the tactics of the Portland Timbers and Sporting KC. Darlington Nagbe's ability to pass and move is explored and the influence of the modern attacking midfielder is also in full effect. See Doyle ties it all together in the video above. In the end, as he puts it, "You need a smart team to play high pressure."