2020 MLS is Back Tournament- Semifinals
Portland Timbers vs Philadelphia Union
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
Wednesday, August 5, 2020- 5.00 PM PST/ 8:00 PM EST
Portland Timbers
This is it for the Portland Timbers. Someone is on their way to the Final and it’s the Philadelphia Union that is now seen as the surprise tournament favorite.
If anyone has left a great impression, it’s been the Timbers. Coming in as underdogs and seeded in the so-called ‘group of death’, it appears the Timbers are for real.
Forget 2019 and the beginning of the 2020 season, now this team is playing an incredible game of football, showing a winning and ambitious chemistry in the field where everyone contributes to the team’s success.
Recent polls conducted by Major League Soccer show Philadelphia Union as the overall favorite to win and the Portland Timbers at the bottom. Still, for Gio + company it’s business as usual come Wednesday night.
There are two more games in the MLS is Back Tournament, playing either SC Orlando or Minnesota United, both teams that Portland has struggled against recently and would be a tough matchup should the Timbers advance. For now, it’s one game at a time – at least that’s the overall philosophy for manager Savarese.
The veteran core is proving fundamental for the team’s success in this tournament. The competition and push from some young guns, of the likes of Eryk Williamson, make for a great combination in the defensive midfield with Diego Chara.
In addition to newcomer Pablo Bonilla looking good in the defensive backfield and becoming a sure fit for next season, possibly the necessary impact in this contest to make it as a starter.
Still the big guns like Jeremy Ebobisse make an all-around statement on his ability to start and his determination shows, regardless of the competition.
In spite of the Green and Gold players having just three days rest and showing some signs of fatigue in the NYCFC game, in the end their will to win and spirit will persevere.
One game at a time for Gio!
Probable Lineup:
GK Steve Clark, Pablo Bonilla, Larry’s Mabiala, Dario Zuparic, Jorge Villafaña; Eryk Williamson, Diego Chara; Sebastian Blanco, Diego Valeri, Yimmi Chara; Jeremy Ebobisse
An exhausted Bedoya breathes a sigh of relief after scoring the winner against FC Dallas. (Photo credit Charlotte Thomas)
Philadelphia Union
The Philadelphia Union has emerged as one of the surprises of the semifinals and as the surprise overall favorite!
With manager Jim Curtin since his tenure at the head of the U since 2014, the man has seen his share of setbacks with this team after losing three times in the US Open Cup finals and winning their first post-season match.
Manager Curtin so far has shown many in this tournament of what he is capable of, as well as being a strong contender in the course of this event that has SKC among its victims, after showing a class-style football that brought them to semifinals.
The team has brought the likes of hometown rookies like Brenden Aaronson and Mark McKenzie and living out what many had envisioned of them, complemented nicely by Alejandro Bedoya and Sergio Santos’s leadership.
The Boys from the City of Brotherly Love will not be a walk in the park, and we are bracing for an amazing game that ultimately will come down to who has the best game plan and strategy.
Having an identity, hunger and faith have all contributed the Union’s success, leading many in the League and press corps to give them the tag of favorites, but in the end it will be decided in the field.
Both teams come even to this match, as the odds favor the Rose City team for its overall record against the Philadelphia Union in the regular season.
Probable Lineup:
GK Andre Blake, Raymon Gaddis, Jack Elliott, Mark McKenzie, Kai Wagner; Alejandro Bedoya, Jose Martinez, Jamiro Monteiro; Brenden Aaronson; Sergio Santos, Kacper Przybylko
Meetings
May 25, 2019, Philadelphia Union 3-1 Portland Timbers
August 4, 2018, Portland Timbers 3-0 Philadelphia Union
Forecast
Won’t dare to pick a favorite for this match, nothing for anybody an even match
Philadelphia Union
Portland Timbers
