(7) Portland Timbers (5,6,1, 16 points) vs (5) LAFC (6,4,3, 21 points
Wednesday July 21, 2021, 7:30 PM PST/ 10:30 PM EST
Providence Park, Portland, Oregon
Portland Timbers Briefly
What a way to return to league play for the Portland Timbers with a valuable win over FC Dallas over the weekend! Tell that to an opportune Jeremy Ebobisse and with a valuable assist for Yimmy Chara that delivered what turned out to be the match winner in the 84th minute.
However, manager Giovanni Savarese making his trademark moves during the game, somehow became the difference-maker in the end for the Rose City side, but it did not come easy! As the Big D had its moments that could define the game, in the end, defense wins games.
With this win, the Timbers move into the postseason spots with 16 points in seventh place, but as the league is returning to action, their upcoming Wednesday night game at home will not be a walk in the park.
To play against a momentum-stricken LAFC coming from an important win and with a clear dominance over the Timbers since their inception in MLS. The need for a win will be a boost of confidence and imperative for this club’s confidence in the remainder of the season.
So far, the Black and Gold has a positive record over the Rose City side with 4 wins, 2 losses, and 4 draws. It’s not going to be an easy game but in the end, these solidified Portland Timbers can sure deliver!
Probable Lineup:
GK Steve Clark, Pablo Bonilla, Larry’s Mabiala, Dario Zuparic, Josecarlos Van Rankin; Diego Chara, Jeremy Ebobisee, Diego Valeri, Renzo Zambrano, Sebastian Blanco; Yimmy Chara, Felipe Mora
Carlos Vela made his presence felt for LAFC in return to the LAFC lineup on Saturday night.
LAFC Briefly
For manager Bob Bradley suddenly seeing his team returning to winning ways, it is a positive sign for his Black and Gold that in the last six games they have only lost once against SKC on the road.
Very well seeing his superstar Carlos Vela getting back in the scoring grove is a good omen for things to come for the Angelino side and stepping up their game.
For the Tinsel Town squad, they will be looking forward this time to net a spot not only into the postseason, but this time they are looking forward to making the MLS Cup.
Despite the mastery over the Portland Timbers, manager Bradley knows the dangerous game of the Green and Gold and with most of its star players back, one thing for sure he won’t be confident with a lead and the final whistle of the game!
Probable Lineup:
GK Tomas Romero, Kim Moon, Eddie Segura, Jesus Murillo, Marco Farfan; Latif Blessing, Eduardo Atuesta, Raheem Edwards; Jose Cifuentes; Carlos Vela, Diego Rossi
Meetings
11/08/2020 LAFC 1-1 Portland Timbers
10/18/2020 Portland Timbers 1-1 LAFC
09/13/2020 LAFC 4-2 Portland Timbers
Forecast
Both Timbers and LAFC coming with big wins over the weekend, again no favorites in this match
