(4) Portland Timbers (14,12,4, 46 points) vs (3) Colorado Rapids (14,6,10, 52 points)
Saturday October 23, 2021, KO 6:00 PM
Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, Commerce City, Colorado
Portland Timbers Briefly
Losing the lead is no laughing matter for manager Giovanni Savarese after the Vancouver Whitecaps in just 27 turned a 2-0 deficit into a 3-2 win. Defensive miscues are always the topic with the Portland Timbers.
What are the excuses, too tired, but what options to substitute players of the likes of Van Rankin or Claudio Bravo as well Mabiala and Zuparic? As all the defensive backfield so far in two games has allowed five goals and all four of them not displaying their best performances.
Well, I speak for Pablo Bonilla, not comparable his game to Bravo currently on the IR. What other options stand for Gio with Bodily or McGraw on the bench but how will they deliver in a game of this importance.
All games are important, but last night at Providence Park, surrendering the lead to the Caps came out of something in “Ripley’s Believe it or Not”. Every game from here on will be considered vital and the Timbers have a one-point lead over LA Galaxy and three points over Vancouver.
These Timbers are in an urgent need to step up their game. Niezgoda lately hasn’t seen that much action or getting too many opportunities to score. Pass him the ball, please! As well, I urge Diego Valeri to get off the bench and for Van Rankin to go for the ball, not the opposite player’s legs.
Probable Lineup:
GK Steve Clark, Josecarlos Van Rankin, Larrys Mabiala, Dario Zuparic, Pablo Bonilla; Diego Chara, Goerge Fochive; Yimmi Chara, Sebastian Blanco, Dairon Aspirilla; Felipe Mora
Colorado Rapids Briefly
What a season the Rapids are having under manager Robin Fraser! Despite last night’s game just sharing the spoils with the Seattle Sounders at home, still this team has everything to go deep into the MLS Playoffs.
Seen as one of the most improved in all Major League Soccer, this team has renewed hopes to fly high come the playoffs. Still, the way the Portland Timbers are playing lately, I doubt we can see a repeat of that disputed game back in September at Providence Park.
Maybe the Rapids playing at home and with Portland’ recently displaying a weak defensive game, I can foresee Colorado getting that desired win to clinch its ticket into the postseason.
For a team playing a magnificent game in both offense and defense, as for their foe in turn not knowing how to display a strong ability to play as a strong away team.
Maybe, with Wednesday’s game, the Timbers’ encounter, and their streak of two consecutive losses. The Rapids with Kellyn Acosta, Mark Anthony- Kaye, and Jonathan Lewis can capitalize on the visitors’ weaknesses in its defensive game.
Probable Lineup:
GK William Yarborough, Keegan Rosenberry, Danny Wilson, Auston Trusty, Kellyn Acosta; Michael Barrios, Mark Anthony- Kaye, Jack Price, Jonathan Lewis; Dominique Badji, Andre Shinyashiki
Meetings
09/15/2021 Portland Timbers 2-2 Colorado Rapids
11/04/2020 Portland Timbers 0-1 Colorado Rapids
07/13/2019 Portland Timbers 2-2 Colorado Rapids
Line
Colorado can clinch a playoff spot with a win, playing as locals make them overall favorites
Portland Timbers
Colorado Rapids
