(10) Portland Timbers (5,8,7,22 points) vs (12) Minnesota United (5,7,6, 21 points)
Saturday July 1, 2023 KO 5:39 PM PST
Allianz Field, Saint Paul, Minnesota
Portland Timbers Briefly
For the Portland Timbers, Minnesota United have been a handful, having the Rose City side’s number ever since their inception in Major League Soccer back in 2017.
With a record of 8 wins, 4 losses, and 2 draws; it certainly looks like Adrian Heath’s side has the Timbers number. As you recall in their last game back at Providence Park back in May, the Loons scored in stoppage time to stun everyone in the colossus of Goose Hollow.
However, as the way the Rose City is playing lately, some good news is starting to sprout as the return of Felipe Mora for sure will step up the competition between him and newcomer Franck Boli.
Just as well, seeing how the way Evander is playing in every game giving his best and for Santiago Moreno being inspired by him alongside Dairon Aspirilla despite not scoring lately but the men is still contributing.
The need for this team to start improvising and playing with a winning determination is a must as time is flying and, in the end, they could come short come the postseason.
It’s just one game, but in my opinion, Noel Caliskan should be awarded more minutes and be in the starting lineup as the lad has a bright future ahead of him as well Diego Gutierrez needs to be given more minutes.
The need to win on the road will bring much needed confidence for the Portland Timbers. Self-assurance for every player and that they can really put on a spectacle on the road and be a serious foe to face.
My completion of this piece is that this team has all the elements to be a winner and they aren’t doing anything to perform as a team. The need to stop getting yellow cards is a must from all eleven starters and move forward.
Another is the need to step their game is imperative for the club to become serious contenders as well focus more on winning as in the end regardless of the rival. They have to play like they are not intimidated by anyone.
This team is one serious competitor and needs to stay focus in the remainder of the season as well play like one top rated team in the remainder of the season.
Probable Lineup: GK Aljaz Ivacic, David Mosquera, Larrys Mabiala, Claudio Bravo; Diego Chara, Cristhian Paredes; Santiago Moreno, Evander, Dairon Aspirilla; Franck Boli, Felipe Mora
Photo Credit Minnesota United F.C.
Minnesota United Briefly
For Minnesota United manager Adrian Heath, the man is somehow clueless of what’s going on with his team on this 2023 season, a team leveled in all its positions and can play the game with that finishing touch.
Last week in their game against Real Salt Lake, the Loons had a 2-0 lead only to be tied in the end by an inspired Danny Musovski in the 79th minute and later Justen Glad in stoppage time (90+8′) to share the spoils.
Despite having their leading man Emmanuel Reynoso back and the team playing well, luck somehow hasn’t been on their side, not being able to seal their leads in the finishing minutes.
A team that this Saturday will have its hands full with a determined and vengeful Portland Timbers coming to Allianz Arena and looking for some sort of payback after stoppage time last minute goal by Bongo Hlongwane.
I can foresse a match filled with lots of fireworks and can be a high scoring one for both sides or in conclusion can be a defensive block, but an exciting match for sure it will be.
Probable Lineup: GK Clint Irwin, Zarek Valentin, Michael Boxall, Miguel Tapias, DJ Taylor; Will Trapp, Hassani Dotson; Bongo Hlongwane, Emmanuel Reynoso, Jeong Sang- Bin; Mender Garcia
Meetings
05/20/2023 Portland Timbers 0-1 Minnesota United
09/10/2022 Portland Timbers 1-0 Minnesota United
07/30/2022 Minnesota United 4-4 Portland Timbers
Forecast
Will the Timbers get back on the Loons with another pay back last-minute goal in Allianz Field?
Portland Timbers
Minnesota United FC
