(5) Portland Timbers (0,0,1, 1 point) vs (2) LAFC (1, 0, 0, 3 points)
Sunday, March 6, 2022, KO 7:00 PM PST/ 10:00 PM EST
Banc of California Stadium, Los Angeles, California
Portland Timbers Briefly
On opening day and against New England Revolution, the Colombian connection of Dairon Aspirilla and Yimmy Chara came through and at least salvaged at least a point in favor of the Timbers with a 2-2 draw.
However, I like the way this club played in both halves with better passing and being more organized. Still, the team must manage to put more effort to play its matches for the entire 90 minutes. The team, despite putting on a good fight, did not have the opportunities in the first half and looked like the visitors had the edge with their defensive shield.
With another heavy-duty test on the road, the team young core must again deliver kudos to the combination of Tuiloma and McGraw as these can put on a great defensive show. Very well, the team coming alive in the second half and scoring both goals proves the hunger this team must stand out in this 2022.
For Giovanni Savarese, putting a 4-4-2 formation on the field, the man took a gamble and a preview of what to see from the Portland Timbers this season. With Paredes alongside Chara in the defensive backfield, I can see the young Paraguayan making a start in many games this campaign as every game he’s showing off a lot of maturity in his game.
Again, injuries are starting to become a focal point in the Timbers’ season, but that has not derailed the hunger this young team has, as they have a lot to prove and are ready to deliver in what can be another great season.
My conclusion is that the combination of hunger and determination can be the traits the Portland Boys need to deliver another upset on the road to a high-flying LAFC. In 2021 the Portland Timbers broke the FC dominance and managed to sweep them in three games.
In the end, nothing is written and the Timbers can earn their first win of the season at the expense of the LAFC in Tinsel Town with some smart football.
Probable Lineup:
GK Aljaz Ivacic, Josecarlos Van Rankin, Bill Tuiloma, Zac McGraw, Claudio Bravo; Diego Chara, Dairon Aspirilla, Santiago Moreno, Cristhian Paredes; Jaroslaw Niezgoda, Yimmi Chara
LAFC Briefly
Carlos Vela is back as the man made a triumphant return with a hat trick against Colorado Rapids on Sunday. The Timbers backfield will have its hands full trying to contain the likes of Vela and Rodriguez and Opoku.
For new coach Steve Cherundolo, it was a moment to savor on his debut with the Angelino side that rose to the occasion and delivered with a rout as well a clean sheet.
Last season, LAFC had its streak over the Rose City side and the Timbers have finally shaken in 2021. LAFC is ready to return and claim its rightful spot and aim this time for a shot at MLS Cup.
So far, this club in its young existence has managed to win a Supporters Shield trophy back in 2019 when they wrapped the Western Conference finishing first place.
In the conference finals, they were eliminated and fell short of advancing to MLS Cup at the hands of the Seattle Sounders who won the league in 2019. Indeed, I foresee an interesting run for the FC if they manage to keep many of its top players healthy and sure candidates to be in the postseason and maybe more!
Probable Lineup:
GK Maxime Crepeau, Franco Escobar, Jesus Murillo, Mamadou Mbake, Diego Palacios; Kellyn Acosta, Ilie Sanchez, Jose Cifuentes; Kwado Opoku, Carlos Vela, Brian Rodriguez
Meetings
09/29/2021 LAFC 1-2 Portland Timbers
09/19/2021 Portland Timbers 2-1 LAFC
07/21/2021 Portland Timbers 2-1 LAFC
Forecast
Can the Portland defense stop Carlos Vela and LAFC momentum on the road?
