PORTLAND, OR – AUGUST 29, 2018: Portland Timbers defeat Toronto FC 2-0 at Providence Park, Portland, OR (Photo by Diego G Diaz).
(6) Portland Timbers (11-7-8, 41 points) vs (11) Colorado Rapids (6-14-6, 24 points)
Saturday September 8, 2018 7:30 PM PST/ 10:30 PM EST Providence Park, Portland, Oregon
Portland Timbers at a glance
After last weekend’s result against New England in Gillette Stadium these Portland Timbers are looking like one determined and resolute squad. looking forward to be an all-around contender. With a come-from-behind goal scored by an opportune and well placed Lawrence Olum Portland side comes from New England with a valuable point.
The Rose City Boys are riding high and looking forward to establish another run with perfection, so far with two matches. After last weeks bold approach and putting an initial eleven sans some of the Portland top playmakers (Diego Chara, Diego Valeri and Liam Ridgewell) who got a much-needed rest.
This is what Giovanni Savarese was looking for in his squad and getting it ready for a contested run for the postseason. With Colorado in town, the Rocky Mountain squad not having a good campaign, many see the possibilities of a positive result. Currently the Portland Timbers with three players on international call and their starting goalkeeper injured.
This is an all-around challenge for Gio, but in the end, he and his Timbers will prevail. The man knows his business as well how make some amazing and intrepid improvisations in his starting elevens. In the end Gio and company will play these Colorado squad with all the respect and not giving them any liberties.
In the end, the formation sent by Gio for this match will be his favorite 4-3-2-1. However, the need to step the offensive drive will be necessary in this match. In addition, getting another quality performance from his defense has to be a top priority.
GK Steve Clark, Zarek Valentin, Larrys Mabiala, Julio Cascante, Jorge Villafaña, Diego Chara, Lawrence Olum, Andy Polo, Lucas Melano, Diego Valeri, Samuel Armenteros
Colorado Rapids at a glance
Major League Soccer is not as easy as it looks. For Colorado first year manager Anthony Hudson reality stinks after seeing his club not delivering the results envisioned by him and these club directives. As he thought this was to be a fun run with new faces and getting a reinforce side. Unfortunately, injuries have taken the toll on this squad and not displaying a competitive edge in the campaign.
After posting a not so positive record in six matches with a couple of wins and a draw, but accompanied by two back-to-back losses. The need to step up their act and maybe see a possible miracle is still in manager Hudson and his lad’s minds.
The Rapids in the campaign are not doing so well on the road, by posting a negative record in the road of 1-8-3. Still the label of underdogs does not assure their hosts the local Portland Timbers a sure win.
As the Rocky Mountain squad can deliver a damaging blow the local’s postseason aspirations with a valuable win on the road. despite these being this match underdogs that suits them fine as anytime they can turn things ugly for the Rose City squad in matter of minutes.
In the end, this match will be one of strategies for Hudson and his Timbers counterpart. Look for Hudson to have an offensive 4-3-3 formation.
GK Tim Howard, Kortne Ford, Danny Wilson, Tommy Smith, Edgar Castillo, Enzo Martinez, Jack Price, Johan Blomberg- Jack McBean, Giles Barnes, Dillon Serna
Meetings
May 26, 2018 Colorado Rapids 2, Portland Timbers 3
August 23, 2017 Portland Timbers 2, Colorado Rapids 1
June 17, 2017 Colorado Rapids 2, Portland Timbers 1
Game Prediction
Portland Timbers can get an easy win but they do not get so comfortable in the end, three easy points!
Colorado Rapids
Portland
