(11) Portland Timbers (4, 7, 2, 14 points) vs (4) Houston Dynamo (7, 3, 3, 24 points)
Saturday June 22, 2019 8:00 PM PST/ 11:00 PM EST
Providence Park, Portland, Oregon
Portland Timbers at a glance
The Portland Timbers momentum is on an all time high. After back to back wins in the most prestigious competition the U.S. Open Cup ousting the Seattle Sounders and LA Galaxy.
All of a sudden the Rose City offensive game is looking very improved alongside in its defensive game keeping the LA Galaxy strikers and offensive game in control.
As you recall the Portland Timbers delivered their first clean sheet of the season.
With many eyes placed the Rose City newest and providential of acquisitions, Brian Fernandez for sure he’ll be looking forward to extend his scoring streak.
For manager Giovanni Savarese not having Sebastian Blanco suspended to accumulation of yellow cards, and injuries to Bill Tuiloma and Zarek Valentin in the starting lineup.
Still for manager Savarese these absences will not pose any difficulty for the upcoming match, as he is known for his boldness and improvisations in his starting elevens.
GK Steve Clark, Jorge Villafaña, Claude Dielna, Larry’s Mabiala, Jorge Moreira; Cristhian Paredes, Diego Chara; Tomas Conechny, Diego Valeri, Jeremy Ebobisse; Brian Fernandez
Houston Dynamo at a glance
Contrary to the Portland Timbers, the Houston Dynamo are looking forward to a much needed win. Coming from last Tuesday elimination in the U.S. Open Cup agasint Minnestota United.
The Orangemen saw their efforts dwindle at Allianz Stadium after losing 3-2 to the Loons.
This defeat annulles the Dynamo of a succesful defense of its last year U.S. Open Cup title, as manager Wilmer Cabrera is back to business looking at any cost to upset the Timbers at home.
So far, the Lone Star State squad is running fourth with 24 points and for this game they are labeled as favorites to win this match, as manager Cabrera will send his best initial eleven.
GK Joe Willis, AJ de La Garza, Aljaz Struna, Maynor Figueroa, Adam Lundkvist; Boniek Garcia, Matias Vera; Tomas Martinez, Marlon Hairston, Tommy McNamara; Mauro Manotas
Meetings
May 15, 2019 Houston 1-1 Portland Timbers
September 15, 2018 Houston 4-1 Portland Timbers
July 28, 2018 Portland Timbers 2-1 Houston Dynamo
Prediction
Houston Dynamo the favorite but the Portland Timbers are no walk in the park
