(7) Portland Timbers (10, 7, 7, 37 points) vs (9) Toronto FC (7, 12, 6, 27 points)
Wednesday August 29, 2018 7:30 PM PST/ 10:30 EST Providence Park, Portland, Oregon
Portland Timbers at a glance
With another streaking squad coming to town in the form of defending champions Toronto FC. The Portland Timbers are looking to net a win at any cost and to shake off that annoying losing streak of four games. After what many considered an unjust loss this past Sunday at home against the Seattle Sounders a win against The Reds just might be what the doctor ordered.
For manager Giovanni Savarese so far he is happy the way his squad played despite the loss. Being so proud of the work, his squad displayed all game long until that fatidic play, by Julio Cascante. In the end, the lad is only human! As Gio expressed the need to score goals after seeing his squad had many opportunities generated in the course of this match with 22 tries.
As he is expecting to bounce back after the Timbers, defensive backfield showed up a new philosophy with the return of Ridgy to the starting eleven. The Timbers defense got a boost by just allowing the visitors six shoots. However, the needs to make some rotations in his initial eleven are necessary as well to see some T2 players getting the opportunity.
So far, this loss put the Portland squad above the red line below the LA Galaxy leading them by just a point. With Portland, having the home field advantage this can play a significant role by shaking that frustrating losing streak. As Gio stated in his post-match press conference this Sunday, that soccer is not about deserving but getting the job done.
The question is about Jorge Villafaña and Lucas Melano being ready for these upcoming matches, as well adapting to their new manager game scheme. The 4-3-2-1 formation used by Gio in the Seattle game, which gave him positive results until the end. For Portland seeing as probables in Sebastian Giovinco, Victor Vazquez and Jonathan Osorio, these provides a gleam of light in favor of the Portland Boys.
GK Jeff Attinella, Alvas Powell, Julio Cascante, Liam Ridgewell, Zarek Valentin- Diego Chara, Lawrence Olum, Andy Polo- Diego Valeri, Sebastian Blanco- Samuel Armenteros
Toronto FC
For manager Greg Vanney it is now or never to start accumulating wins in what saw a tough campaign for the defending champions. So far, in six matches the TFC has managed three wins, a loss and two draws. The need to win all of the remainder matches is necessary and coming to Portland this will be another tough test. Despite the Portland Timbers four game losing streak, that does not guarantee them a win in Providence Park.
However, with one of the most lethal of attacks with Giovinco, Bradley, Altidore, the TFC is no walk in the park. They certainly pose a threat to the Portland backfield although on the road is where the Reds have shown their soft side with two wins, seven losses and four draws. A need to improve this record away is the challenge for manager Vanney if he wants to see his squads in the postseason.
The current position of the Toronto squad is in ninth place trailing their cross-country foes, the Montreal impact by six points. Currently the City of Mary squad holds the last playoff spot with 33 points and the TFC trailing by six points. Still this can change anytime and the Reds can stage a rally but will they do it in Portland?
So far, in five meetings the TFC edges the Portland squad by just a game, as both squads at home have come victorious. In the end, Greg Vanney will send his trademark 4-1-2-1-2 to counter on Portland game.
GK Clint Irwin, Justin Morrow, Eriq Zavaleta, Drew Moor, Ashtone Morgan- Michael Bradley- Jay Chapman, Marky Delgado- Jonathan Osorio- Jozy Altidore, Lucas Janson
Meetings
August 12, 2017 Toronto FC 4, Portland Timbers 1
Forecast
If Portland capitalizes the absences of Giovinco and Vazques, opens the door to a possible win
Toronto FC
Portland
