(3) Toronto FC vs (11) Portland Timbers
Saturday April 27, 2019 12:00 PM PST/ 3:00 PM EST
BMO Field, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Portland Timbers at a glance
Going against all odds the Portland Timbers delivered their first win of this season. By netting their first, win of the season and against a heavily favorite Columbus Crew.
The Portland Timbers put in display a wondrous game filled with unity and confidence. As manager, Giovanni Savarese found the ideal formula to put in the field and his initial eleven performed the unthinkable.
Last Saturday we saw a very determined Timbers side and dominating in the course of ninety minutes. Something that this squad had problems defensively, these became and neutralizing the Black and Gold attack.
As the Crew maybe became too complacent and trusting in their foes losing record, that almost cost them a clean sheet. Very well seeing a defensive game much improved from the Rose City squad.
However for manager Giovanni Savarese making his bold moves and sending an offensive prone 4-4-2 formation.
The gamble paid off in the end for Gio, his initial eleven as many expected to see that 5-3-2, and instead the Timbers Boss used a more dynamic in the attack formation.
Once gain this next match for the Rose City side against another squad having a good start of the season in the Toronto FC. However, the TFC labeled as favorites and currently seating in second place with a notable record.
Still the Portland Timbers are ready for the challenge and looking forward for another upset of another prominent squad that is having a good moment, these Timbers are for real.
In spite of the dominance at home of the TFC, the Portland Timbers can come away with another valuable win against the Reds at BMO Field. I do not discard a repeat of that 4-4-2 formation by Gio.
GK Jeff Attinella, Jorge Moreira, Larry’s Mabiala, Bill Tuiloma, Zarek Valentin; Andres Flores, Cristhian Paredes, Diego Chara, Sebastian Blanco; Jeremy Ebobisse, Diego Valeri
Toronto FC at a glance
For manager Greg Vanney he and his Reds are ready to rock the living foundations of MLS. As the defending champions, you recall last season the Reds missed the grand fete of the postseason.
Still for this season manager, Vanney went on the task of rebuild for another contested edition.
Something the Reds are putting in practice with a notable start and situated in third place in the Eastern conference.
In spite of missing one of their utmost of playmakers in Sebastian Giovinco, the Toronto directives found the ideal substitute with Alejandro Pozuelo who for sure will test the Timbers improved defense.
The label of favorites does not assure the local TFC an easy win as the Rose City squad comes with loads of momentum.
I do not doubt manager Greg Vanney will send his 3-5-1-1 formation too effective for the Loons and these are looking forward to another successful repeat at home. Still these will not rely on the visitors record as asy prey.
GK Alex Bono, Richie Laryea, Laurent Ciman, Chris Mavinga; Nick De Leon, Marco Delgado, Michael Bradley, Jonathan Osorio, Justin Morrow; Alejandro Pozuelo; Jozy Altidore
Meetings
August 29, 2018 Portland Timbers 2- 0 Toronto FC
August 12, 2017 Toronto FC 4- 1 Portland Timbers
Prediction
Toronto FC comes with the labels of all favorites but anything can happen in the end.
Toronto FC
Portland
