Portland Timbers (1,0,0, 3 points) vs DC United (1,0,0, 3 points)
Saturday March 2, 2023 KO 7:30 pm PST/ 10:30 PM EST
Providence Park, Portland, Oregon
Portland Timbers Briefly
The Portland Timbers started on the right foot with a raucous win over the visiting and improved Colorado Rapids on opening night at Providence Park, as well making it an unforgettable night for all of the attendees.
As the Phil Neville era started on the positive and looking forward to an eventful 2024 campaign. Still, nothing is won as 33 games are left in what seems to be another season filled with a lot of challenges.
There were a lot of positives as the area of much need for the Portland Timbers was its defensive backfield as in the preseason manager Neville reinforced its goalkeeper core with super free agent Maxime Crepeau and joining him are the likes of James Pantemis and Trey Muse.
Seeing how the backfield with the arrival of Kamal Miller from Inter Miami became another highlight in the Rose City backfield, after last night’s game it certainly looks like the Timbers addressed their defensive woes.
The Canuck center backs delivered mayhem to a suddenly aggressive Rapids counter attack in the first half and through all of the second half as the defensive backfield delivered last night with a lot of style and self assurance.
If the Portland Timbers continue playing with a lot of determination, conviction, and most of all ambition; we may have a contender in the works, as one area is looking very positive was its attack.
As the likes of Brazilian youth Antony looking very promising after delivering with a brace after being denied by the visitor’s keeper early in the first half, but later the man delivered with two one-of-a-kind goals.
One player I’m excited is Eryk Williamson, if he continues playing like he did last night as well contributing to the attack, we may hear in the end from some European suitors.
Despite the team having a dominant first half and building a defensive block, somehow, we didn’t miss the likes of Maxime Crepeau as James Pantemis rose to the occasion and delivered an amazing game and shaking off the visitor’s sudden pressure to be in the scoreboard.
The future is looking bright for the 2024 Portland Timbers and looking forward to an eventful campaign where we can see a lot of positives and bury last season’s disappointments.
Photo Credit D.C. United
DC United Briefly
The Troy Lesesne era has started with a notable win over the New England Revolution and seeing how the team’s Super DP got a brace yesterday contributing to the Black and Red win over the visitors.
Give credit to an inspired Christian Benteke as the former Crystal Palace striker and Belgium international, delivered with a brace as well a late goal in compensation time to deliver the upset over the Revolution.
However, on their next game will be looking a very challenging outing against the Portland Timbers that won on their debut night and both sides are looking to extend their winning streaks and continue with a perfect mark.
I see a couple of sides highly renovated and looking forward to continue in their winning ways as well see a continuance of a perfect mark in this 2024 season.
As the upgrades in this team somehow are looking in the positive and for sure will pay off in the end.
My conclusion is that this DC United is one developed side and looking like a heavy favorite to fly high on this 2024 season, and maybe make a return to its old glory days.
Meetings
09/15/2019 Portland Timbers 0-1 DC United
08/15/2018 DC United 4-1 Portland Timbers
10/15/2017 Portland Timbers 4-0 DC United
Forecast
Very even match as both sides delivered mayhem to its respective rivals, no favorites here
Portland Timbers
DC United
