PORTLAND, OR – AUGUST 04: Portland Timbers 3-0 victory over the Philadelphia Union at Providence Park, Portland, OR (Photo by Diego G Diaz).
(3) Portland Timbers (10-4-7, 37 points) vs (11) DC United (5-9-6, 21 points)
Wednesday August 15, 2018 8:00 PM EST/ 5:00 PM PST
Audi Field, Washington, D.C.
Portland Timbers at a glance
One heartbreaking loss the Portland Timbers endure this past weekend at home. Despite the Rose City squad reaction and dominance in the second half, the visiting Caps endure the pressure for the win. For Giovanni Savarese this match expose many frailties of his squad. Among one that expose his defense alertness, with two goals scored in the first half, after the element of surprise got the Portland backfield.
For Gio to return to the drawing board, after seeing his squad not able to convert after 26 tries. Here is a cause to concern for manager Savarese seeing his squad unable to turn opportunities into goals. However, playing against a squad submerged in the cellar of the Eastern Conference is no cause for getting too overconfident.
Very well, after last weekend win over Orlando with a spectacular play. This headlined by their newest additions Wayne Rooney and Luciano Acosta being the heroes of the match.
The other cause of concern will be how to stop DC from winning at home. United are looking for their third consecutive win at Audi Field, the club’s new home after twenty plus years at RFK Stadium. The case of Portland losing at home saw their undefeated streaks in league and at home end so abruptly and thus send them on the road on Wednesday in uncertain waters.
Despite the end of Portland positive streak, the burden is also lifted. Now the idea is to continue playing with an all-around confidence and without any pressure to display their new game. As this squad is not a quitter and looks to rally when the going gets tough. The question though that prevails is: Will Gio repeat his 4-4-2 formation in DC.
GK Jeff Attinella, Alvas Powell, Larry’s Mabiala, Julio Cascante, Zarek Valentin- Diego Chara, David Guzman, Sebastian Blanco, Diego Valeri- Dairon Aspirilla, Samuel Armenteros
DCU manager Ben Olsen
DC United at a glance
Suddenly we have DC United playing a new kind of football. With more dynamism contrary to its first matches in the campaign that submerged the Black and Red in their conference cellar. Still for manager Ben Olsen he sees in every match and especially at home the opportunity to net three points.
After all the DC alumni, looking forward to shake the bad campaigns his squad has endured in the cellar. The reason this squad front office has gone to the point of netting important signings and its highlight of luring Wayne Rooney to play in Major League Soccer.
Despite many, lucrative offers the former Manu and Everton great refuse to take on the challenge of MLS.
While they struggled on the road, at home they are seeing an all-around revival. With a midweek match, scheduled maybe Ben Olsen will make some significant changes in his lineup. However the weekend win and amazing play staged by Rooney has for sure ignited this squad.
Midfielder Luciano Acosta has played some inspired ball as of late, scoring a treble in Sunday’s 3-2 win over Orlando City. His last goal was the difference-maker, a sublime header courtesy of a spectacular Wayne Rooney cross. Portland squad for sure will have its hands full with an early barrage from DC front men. Injuries in the Black and Red have taken a toll with important players out in the campaign. United defenders Nick Leon and Taylor Kemp have been out all season and putting their stretched defense to its limits.
In the end manager, Ben Olsen will likely to send his trademark 4-1-4-1 formation with a lone Wayne Rooney heading in the attack. When D.C. faces a squad that they traditionally don’t play against often he likes to go with players who have experience with that side. Look for Darren Mattocks and newcomer Vytas for these latter ones to counter on their old squad game.
GK Bill Hamid, Oniel Fisher, Kofi Opare, Steve Birnbaum- Russell Canouse-Zoltan Stieber, Paul Arriola, Luciano Acosta, Yamil Assad- Wayne Rooney (Darren Mattocks)
Meetings
October 15, 2017 Portland Timbers 4, DC United 0
Overall Record against DC United
Portland 4 Wins, 2 losses, 2 draws
Forecast
Not an easy game for Portland and DCU in midweek. Still the outcome will favor the visiting PTFC.
DC United
Portland
