(8) Portland Timbers (6,8,2, 20 points) vs (7) Real Salt Lake (5, 5, 6, 21 points)
Saturday August 7, 2021, KO 7:30 PM PST/ 10:30 PM EST
Providence Park, Portland, Oregon
Portland Timbers Briefly
Giovanni Savarese made his trademark bold moves last Wednesday by putting on a more attacking and dynamic formation, that almost paid off against the Quakes.
With a 4-3-3 formation, that uplifted the Timbers’ attack but came so close with several missed chances to wrap the match up that ended in frustration for the home side.
The need for the Portland side is to take advantage of any opportunity and finish up its plays. Another huge improvement was the defensive game and limiting the visitors to just a goal and for its keeper Aljaz Ivacic to come up huge as a substitute to deliver a wondrous performance.
With notable players returning from the IL and international duty, this team is becoming complete in its starting eleven. Still, one player to miss next Saturday’s game will be Diego Chara send-off with a red card.
For manager Savarese, it’s back to business and hopefully, back to three points. The Portland Timbers have a chance to deliver an upset and get back their confidence against Real Salt Lake, next Saturday.
The Claret and Cobaltmare coming from a loss against the Galaxy by the odd goal, the opportunity to send RSL home with back-to-back losses is there.
Probable Lineup:
GK Aljaz Ivacic, Josecarlos Van Rankin, Larry’s Mabiala, Bill Tuiloma, Claudio Bravo; Cristhian Paredes, Eryk Williamson, Diego Valeri; Dairon Aspirilla, Felipe Mora, Yimmi Chara
Photo Courtesy of Real Salt Lake
Real Salt Lake Briefly
For Real Salt Lake manager Freddy Juarez, a win is in his mind, and looking to at least come up big with a win on their road trip. After an upsetting loss against the LA Galaxy in midweek by just one goal, this team is looking for vindication with a win on the road.
As they are seeded in seventh place, just one point separates them and the Portland Timbers. This game has all the elements of a disputed affair.
In their last three games, the RSL have earned four points with a win over archrival Colorado Rapids and a draw against Houston at home, and recently their road loss against the Galaxy. This match is important for RSL to come up big and take three golden points on the road.
Probable Lineup:
GK Zac McMath, Aaron Herrera, Erik Holt, Marcelo Silva, Donny Toia; Jonathan Menendez, Everton Luis, Nick Besler, Anderson Julio; Albert Rusnak; Bobby Wood
Meetings
10/14/2020 Real Salt Lake 2-1 Portland Timbers
08/29/2020 Portland Timbers 4-4 Real Salt Lake
10/19/2019 Real Salt Lake 2-1 Portland Timbers
Line
A must-win game for the Portland Timbers as RSL coming from a defeat in midweek against the Galaxy
Portland Timbers
