(4) Portland Timbers (12,10,4, 40 points) vs (8) LAFC (9,11,6, 33 points)
Wednesday, September 29, 2021, KO 7:30 PM PST/ 10:30 PM EST
Banc of California Stadium, Los Angeles, California
Portland Timbers Briefly
This team is doing well, as actions speak louder than words. If you recall last Saturday’s performance against a slaughtered Real Salt Lake, the Portland Timbers’ renaissance is approaching the final stretch of league play.
Once again, Giovanni Savarese’s moves are working wonders for his Portland Timbers. With five of his substitute players he put on the field on Saturday, Niezgoda and Paredes scored the final two goals.
With this latest slate of midweek matches, the team is feeling the pressure, but overall, Gio’s rotations in his starting eleven are paying off for the better and results are speaking aloud.
Talk about a career year, ask that to Dairon Aspirilla having a grand season with seven goals scored, and continues to be an important part of the Timbers’ recent surge and positive streak.
To cap a successful regular season, the Timbers need to be cautious, but not too conservative in their game as well as keep their momentum to take with them to the playoffs. I saw the team like that in 2015, but it’s too premature to speak about a run into MLS Cup yet.
The positive streak can be at risk for the Rose City side as they are facing a team desperate for points and getting back in the win column.
LAFC has not been an easy foe for the Portland Timbers in the past.
Probable Lineup:
GK Steve Clark, Josecarlos Van Rankin, Larry’s Mabiala, Dario Zuparic, Claudio Bravo; Diego Chara, George Fochive; Yimmi Chara, Sebastian Blanco, Dairon Aspirilla; Felipe Mora
LAFC Briefly
Desperation is visible on the minds of the Black and Gold manager Bob Bradley. They can ill-afford another loss as they are currently on the outside looking in in the Western Conference playoffs.
Injuries have taken a toll on this team with its Talisman player Carlos Vela being out and seeing its striker Diego Rossi move on to Turkey’s Superliga. These details have affected the team’s dynamic in its game.
Still, the moves implemented and innovations to the starting lineup recently have seen something of an improvement in the team’s game and productivity. Overall, in the minds of the LAFC, wins are a priority to advance into their conference postseason.
Can they stop the Portland Timbers momentum playing at home?
Probable Lineup:
GK Tomas Romero, Mamadou Fall, Jesus Murillo, Sebastien Ibeagha; Kim Moon, Francisco Ginella, Daniel Crisostomo, Diego Palacios; Jose Cifuentes; Danny Musovski, Cristian Arango
Meetings
09/19/2021 Portland Timbers 2-1 LAFC
0721/2021 Portland Timbers 2-1 LAFC
11/08/2020 LAFC 1-1 Portland Timbers
Line
Not an easy match for the Portland Timbers against a team desperate for points and a playoff spot
Portland Timbers
