Phil Neville emphasizes the need for the Portland Timbers to "grow up" after a 1-0 loss to Orlando City. Despite holding nearly 60% possession, the team created limited chances with only 0.35 expected goals. Neville highlighted the disappointing first-half effort from key players, expressing pride in their fight in the second half but pointing out their naivety. He urged his team to be more ruthless, especially in the attacking zone, as they prepare to face Colorado Rapids, sitting just above them in the standings.
The first half was nowhere near good enough, from three or four players. Players who we see as our key players were nowhere near their level - they didn't give the team any composure.
It was a great learning experience for the young players we have - they're giving everything they've got, they're a match for any team in MLS but I'm afraid at this moment in time we've got to grow up a little bit more than we are doing.
We've got to acknowledge it's not going to be perfect all the time, we've got to have more ruthlessness, particularly the front four or five players.
We showed a bit of inexperience, against a team that has experience. That's the evolution now for the team to be successful.
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