Portland Timbers (8, 3, 7, 31 points) vs Houston Dynamo (7, 7, 6, 27 points)
Saturday July 28, 2018 8:00 PM PST/ 11:00 EST
Providence Park, Portland, Oregon
Portland Timbers at a glance
After last week’s come from behind draw against the Montreal Impact. These Portland Timbers are one hot ticket in Major League Soccer. Still having a few problems in the beginning of last week match, these overcome the odds and came back to spoil the party of the visiting Gars.
Hosting a slumping Houston Dynamo, the Timbers can be within an easy win. However, do not count on it, as they state that there is no such thing than an easy foe. Troubled or not the Dynamo can be a handful for the Rose city squad. As last year playoff elimination and especially at home, being still in the minds of many returning Timbers players.
For a squad that in this campaign has seen an all-around improvement. The visiting Houston Boys will have a tough time if Portland initial eleven comes inspired and hungry. As these Timbers are one tough foe to go down in this 2018. Without showing signs of giving up that easily, this group is one serious foe.
This time the Portland squad will have Diego Chara in the starting lineup. After the man from Colombia served his match due to a suspension, the Timbers suffered from his absence in last week match against Montreal.
In addition, of what will Giovanni Savarese moves he will make in his initial eleven and the formation these will play. With the defense steeping up and with Diego Chara back in the lineup. We may expect a wondrous match for the Portland Boys.
GK Jeff Attinella, Alvas Powell, Larry’s Mabiala, Julio Cascante, Zarek Valentin- Lawrence Olum, Diego Chara, Andy Polo- Diego Valeri, Sebastian Blanco- Samuel Armenteros
Houston Dynamo at a glance
For manager Wilmer Cabrera this upcoming match will be another challenging one on the road. So far, his Orangemen are not having a dandy of a campaign. In six matches, the Dynamo side has just won one match, losing two and tying four.
Coming from a heartbreaking loss against the Union and their start striker Mauro Manotas extended his scoring. These being prey of a hard fighting Philadelphia squad that scores three unanswered goals for the win.
Still do not count this squad out, as their game plan can change abruptly for the opposition. With last, campaign Portland having the edge in the first match with a goal rout and tying at BBVA Stadium in Houston.
In the playoffs, the Dynamo raise to the occasion and move on to the semifinals of the Western Conference. Leaving Portland in the edge and defeating the Rose City squad at home.
That was then and now the Dynamo needs a win at any cost to level their campaign. With an unstoppable Mauro Manotas at any time, he can surprise the Portland backfield. As they, say that defense wins matches, for manager Cabrera if his boys strike first. His main wish is for his Boys to fulfill a one of kind game in its defensive backfield.
One thing for sure this will be one interesting shootout in Providence Park. As both squads will be looking for the win and the element of surprise. For Houston a win much needed to overcome their winning drought.
GK Joe Willis, Adolfo Machado, Jared Watts, Andrew Wegner, DaMarcus Beasley- Eric Alexander, Oscar Boniek Garcia- Alberth Elis, Tomas Martinez , Romell Quito- Mauro Manotas
2017 Meetings
Playoffs
November 5, 2017 Portland Timbers 1, Houston Dynamo 2
October 30, 2017 Houston Dynamo 0- Portland Timbers 0
Regular Season
July 29, 2017 Houston Dynamo 2, Portland Timbers 2
March 18, 2017 Portland Timbers 4, Houston Dynamo 2
Forecast: Portland by one goal
Diego Chara of the Portland Timbers takes a shot on goal.
