(8) Portland Timbers (7,6, 11, 32 points) vs (4) FC Dallas (9,7,8, 35 points)
Saturday, August 6, 2022 KO 7:30 PM PST/ 10:30 PM EST
Providence Park, Portland, Oregon
Portland Timbers Briefly
A great comeback once again staged by the Portland Timbers in the second half, but close but no cigar, after being limited by a defensive block imposed by the Nashville backfield.
Still, the Portland Timbers continued with their unbeaten streak, extending it to nine consecutive games and now are looking for a rematch against FC Dallas with their memories so present of that 4-1 rout in Big D back in March!
However, the Portland Timbers should become a fortress when they play at home with the way many of its players are performing lately, such as the case of David Ayala delivering in the defensive midfield as well for Santiago Moreno.
As the Colombian youth is delivering in every game and with his rate of playing, the man for sure will put Diego Valeri’s name in the annals of history of the Portland Timbers, since he’s become an indisputable starter and play maker as well.
Juan David Mosquera is soon to arrive and will look to = make his impact in the Timbers’ starting eleven in time to the postseason.
The offensive attack is very complete and despite Yimmi Chara not being on target lately as he attracts the opposition defenders, there’s Sebastian Blanco and Santiago Moreno to the rescue as well David Ayala contributing.
Tough choices are coming for Giovanni Savarese with his starting eleven with David Ayala performing in every match earning a sure starting position and with Cristhian Paredes and with Eryk Williamson unfortunately on injured reserve.
Last week’s formation delivered a defensive shield to Nashville, but they still managed to score and this is something the Portland backfield must be alert and on the lookout alongside playing the entire ninety minutes.
Yes, you can call them the comeback kids or the second half side, but not always we will see a reaction or the Timbers foes will not allow them to turn the game in their favor as they for sure can neutralize their so called second half momentum.
The Timbers will face off a renewed Dallas squad with their newest of acquisitions in Sebastien Llegett whom in the past has been an annoyance to the Timbers backfield alongside the likes of Paul Arriola and Jesus Ferreira.
Probable Lineup:
GK Aljaz Ivacic, Josecarlos Van Rankin, Larrys Mabiala, Dario Zuparic, Claudio Bravo; Diego Chara, David Ayala; Santiago Moreno, Sebasian Blanco, Yimmi Chara; Jaroslaw Niezgoda
FC Dallas Briefly
First year manager Nico Estevez is happy of the support the Dallas front office in order to build up an all-around contender and earn the trip to MLS Cup.
The reunion of three USMNT midfielders in Paul Arriola, considered as FC Dallas top play maker, alongside Paxton Pomvkal, and with the arrival of Sebastien Llegett, this translates into one explosive offensive attack.
So far, this team has seen a lot of improvement in its game as they are currently seeded in fourth place with 35 points, but within the Portland Timbers’ reach if they win on Saturday.
If Sebastien Llegett makes his debut with FC Dallas on Saturday, I foresee very contested affair between these two sides looking at any cost to win three valuable points.
Probable Lineup:
GK Maarten Paes, Ema Twumasi, Matt Hedges, Jose Martinez, Marco Farfan; Edwin Cerrillo, Paxton Pomvkal; Paul Arriola, Jesus Ferreira, Alan Velasco; Franco Jara
Meetings
03/19/2022 FC Dallas 4-1 Portland Timbers
07/17/2021 Portland Timbers 1-0 FC Dallas
05/01/2021 FC Dallas 4-1 Portland Timbers
Forecast
This match has the connotations of a rematch for the Portland Timbers
Portland Timbers
FC Dallas
