(6) Portland Timbers (11,8,13, 46 points) vs (1) LAFC (20,8,4,64 points)
Sunday October 2, 2022 KO 12:00 PM PST/ 3:00 PM EST
Providence Park, Portland, Oregon
Portland Timbers Briefly
The Portland Timbers after another international break and getting that much needed rest, will come ready to close their 2022 season on a high note and assure a spot on the postseason.
Still, the Timbers they are aware of the importance their next game against LAFC. A win for the visitors will almost assure a second Supporters Shield, but for the Timbers a win can get them near a spot for the postseason.
With a healthy squad for manager Giovanni Savarese, he can do his magic and with his moves and working with a new 3-4-3 formation that is seeing a lot success and positive results.
So far, the team is seeded in sixth spot and with Minnesota and Real Salt Lake not doing so good lately, but with the LA Galaxy delivering lately with wins and seeded in fifth with 46 points, the same as Portland.
The need to close strong is imperative for the Portland side to assure a comfortable spot in the postseason, despite the competition being good in the end the Timbers need to be far better.
As I always state that the Timbers need to fully play the full ninety minutes. In their last game, their defensive game stepped it up and prevented what could have been a disaster stopping Columbus striker Cucho Hernandez.
Not being on target offensively and with some tries, its when the stage was set for Santiago Moreno who became the game hero with his late goal that ended up frustrating the Crew and its manager Caleb Porter.
Coming up with LAFC, to stop the likes of Gareth Bale, Cristian Arango, and Carlos Vela to mention a few of the LA arsenal, the Timbers need to display a very efficient and top-class defensive game for the entirety of the game.
With Dairon Aspirilla returning to the fray as well seeing the development of Santiago Moreno in giant steps, the need of Yimmi Chara and Sebastian Blanco is to deliver a one-of-a-kind game.
In the end, both teams come well rested and looking forward to display their best game, the question is how will Portland fare against a team that since its inception has its number?
Probable Lineup:
GK Aljaz Ivacic, Bill Tuiloma, Dario Zuparic, Zac McGraw; Claudio Bravo, Eryk Williamson, Diego Chara, Dairon Aspirilla; Santiago Moreno, Sebastian Blanco, Yimmi Chara
Photo Credit: LAFC
LAFC Briefly
First year manager Steve Cherundolo is certainly looking forward to winning his first shield with the Black and Gold and of his managerial career.
The Supporters Shield is considered an important piece of silverware in Major League Soccer as well an important adornment to highlight any club achievement in the campaign.
For LAFC, this will be their second after winning it back in 2019, but were eliminated by a 3-1 score in the Western Conference finals by the Seattle Sounders, winning the league that season.
Still, the Angelino side has always been a total contender, but on last season being the last for its manager Bob Bradley, LAFC had an insurmountable number of notable players on the injury list.
This led to a disastrous season and the team for the first time since its inception missing the playoffs.
Not this year and despite some losses in the end, the Black and Gold is looking forward to going all the way to the league finals.
Being the all-around favorites to win it all and seeing a grand finale between LAFC and the Philadelphia Union with both teams level on points, though LAFC have more wins.
Probable Lineup:
GK Maxime Crepeau, Ryan Hollingsworth, Eddie Segura, Giorgio Chellini, Diego Palacios; Kellyn Acosta, Ilie Sanchez, Jose Cifuentes; Carlos Vela, Cristian Arango, Gareth Bale
Meetings
05/10/2022 LAFC 2-0 Portland Timbers
03/06/2022 LAFC 1-1 Portland Timbers
09/29/2021 Portland Timbers 2-1 LAFC
Forecast
The Portland Timbers with a win maybe they can be near the postseason
Portland Timbers
