Timbers Streak Reaches 23 but Danger Lurks in Charleston

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Portland Timbers record breaking season continues with their incredible and record setting USL unbeaten streak now at 23 games. In that time, they have won 14 and drawn nine of their 23 games, with 40 goals scored and just twelve conceded. They have exacted revenge on the only side to beat them Vancouver and remain unbeaten in the USA in league play.

Their next challenge is in South Carolina when they visit the Charleston Battery at the Blackbaud on Friday on national television. Recently signed midfielder Rodrigo Lopez has been cleared and will be available for selection for Friday’s match.

The Battery and the Timbers have met before in Charleston with a June 13th meeting ending in a 1-1 tie. Randi Patterson put the Battery ahead in the 64th minute with Guinean Mandjou Keita finding the equaliser six minutes from time. Portland took the last meeting on August 8 with Keita again the matchwinner. He provided a goal and an assist in the first half. Stephen Armstrong struck back five minutes into the second half, but Keita assisted again with nine minutes remaining to provide help for Ryan Pore’s goal.

Portland face a side with a very good home record. Charleston have won seven and drawn four of their 12 games, conceding just six goals. Charleston now sit third behind the Carolina Railhawks after the latter’s embarrassingly easy 9-0 win over Miami Blues. Miami had only conceded five goals in their previous 11 away games up till then.

If Portland come through this fixture unscathed, they may well go the entire season unbeaten. Four of their last five games are against the bottom two sides Cleveland and Austin Aztex, with Rochester to face before that.

The match is being televised live on the Fox Soccer Channel, kick off 5pm Pacific.