Warrior's DNA: Timbers right to credit fighting spirit for early success

Raise sword to sky in salute to the Portland Timbers, a team that has finally awoken from its 2016 slumber and looks the part of champion once more.

Three games into the 2017 season, it's the Timbers who have impressed most, undefeated as they are, leading the league in a number of categories, imbibed with the indomitable spirit of fight that head coach Caleb Porter is right to credit for his side's early successes.

A come-from-behind 4-2 victory over the Houston Dynamo is the latest tale of glory for the Timbers Army to celebrate, and one that Porter says shows the heart and hunger of his warriors, the fight from every single player on the pitch.

"There are certain guys who fight because it's in their DNA, but you need fight out of guys like (Sebastian) Blanco and guys like Darlington (Nagbe) and (Diego) Valeri," Porter told reporters following his side's latest victory. "... it's not always natural for those guys to want to dig and fight and grind and battle ... I thought we just played with a real edge, a real ruthlessness that I've been wanting to see."

(Photo courtesy: Action Images)

Valeri in particular has emerged as the champion of the Timbers' house, tied for third in the league in shots (11) and shots on goal (five), and second behind Atlanta United's Josef Martinez for goals. He has four to Martinez's five, and boasts a pair of assists as well. The Argentine maestro mimicked his coach in tipping a spirit of fight and a never-say-die attitude as the wind behind their sails.

"We're trying to win games in a (certain) way. This way," Valeri said. "We're fighting for that, and we're working for that. That made me happy because we want to dominate games with the ball and putting pressure. I'm really happy about the way we won."

Porter has found balance on both flanks, strengthened his midfield with David Guzman alongside Diego Chara, and added an X-factor in Blanco. The Argentine winger is reunited with his childhood friend Valeri and has adapted well to MLS thus far. Combined, this front six of Fanendo Adi, Valeri, Blanco, Nagbe, Chara, and Guzman might just be the most threatening in MLS.

As individuals, they may be formidable, but as a team, they look unstoppable:

The raw numbers thus far spell the story of dominance for the Timbers, a team that is constantly busy, both as individuals and as a collective unit. The Timbers lead the league in shots (44) and shots on goal (19) and have scored 10 goals (second only to Atlanta's 11), spurred on by the efforts of Adi and Valeri.

Despite the Timbers out-possessing neither the LA Galaxy nor Minnesota United, the ball was never too far out of reach. They move it well, too, averaging an 83 percent pass accuracy thus far. That helps tremendously when playing against counter-attack teams like Houston:

But that's just one style. Porter has many in his pocket, and that's the beauty of this Timbers team. There's a versatility that comes with the way Portland is built. Porter pointed out that his team is capable of making adjustments, and noted Valeri's shift left alongside Nagbe against Houston is one such iteration.

None of it works, however, unless Portland's players are willing to work for it. And, as Porter rightfully remarked, his team "can't take a night off."

The Timbers have to keep up this pace, and the MLS season is long and full of obstacles. But, as Porter explained: "It comes down to winning on the field that day and fighting. As simple as it sounds, that's the difference."