PORTLAND, OR – NOVEMBER 25: Portland Timbers tie 0-0 with Sporting Kansas City on the first leg of the Western Finals (Photo by Diego G Diaz/ProstAmerika).
In the campaign, the outcome of two matches between the Portland Timbers and the conference winners Sporting Kansas City. Come November 29 we can state this is it! Still after a defensive, gem this past Sunday the Portland squad exhibited against the Midwest side. We are to brace for another tight and disputed contest.
So far, in the postseason the Portland Timbers have a successful run. One by eliminating in the Knockout rounds the likes of heavily favorite FC Dallas and later their Cascadia foes the Seattle Sounders. Now these are within 90 minutes with a tie at a goal apiece to consume another feat of attending their second league finals.
However when these two titans clash, we are exposed to an all-around defensive contest. Still the thrill of victory and agony of defeat will come this Thursday, when we have a winner.
After last Sunday showdown between the Portland Timbers and Sporting Kansas City in Providence Park. The draw at zero goals gives the Rose City squad a slight advantage of not getting that infamous away goal. In spite of the defensive gem, with the Portland side almost scoring the difference makers and seeing the post and an inspired SKC goalkeeper Tim Melia denied any liberties to their strikers.
In this match we will see two formations put in by these squads managers. With Peter Vermes’ trademark 4-3-3 with six players going upfront and three later reinforcing his backfield foursome. This time Vermes will have his top scorer in Diego Rubio back after serving a one game suspension.
Contrary to last week’s match we see an inspired Portland Timbers sporting a familiar 4-2-3-1. The disadvantage for the visiting Timbers in Children’s Mercy Park of not having defender Larry’s Mabiala sporting an ankle injury and Andy Polo calf strain. Still for manager Giovanni Savarese with his multiple and right moves he can make it happen.
As the tale of the tape for both squads with depth in their benches and in the field, we are getting ready for a contest. The tale of the tape for tomorrows KO in the Midwest, with no room for error for both squads.
PORTLAND, OR – NOVEMBER 25: Portland Timbers tie 0-0 with Sporting Kansas City on the first leg of the Western Finals (Photo by Diego G Diaz/ProstAmerika).
Goalkeepers
Jeff Attinella
Tim Melia
Despite Tim Melia having a great day under the arches last Sunday do not count Timbers Jeff Attinella defensive skills out of this contest.
Advantage: Even
Defenders
Portland Timbers- Zarek Valentin, Bill Tuiloma, Liam Ridgewell, Jorge Villafaña
SKC- Graham Zusi, Ike Opara, Matt Besler, Seth Sinovic
If Portland comes out displaying another defensive gem, like this past Sunday and so far in the postseason. In addition of SKC backfield too being a bit stingy and dominant against the Portland side. In the end, the best defense will prevail.
Advantage: Even
Midfielders
Portland Timbers
Diego Chara, David Guzman
Diego Valeri, Sebastian Blanco, Dairon Aspirilla
SKC Roger Espinoza, Ilie Sanchez, Felipe Gutierrez
Defensively Portland comes ahead with Chara and Guzman, offensively speaking with Diego Valeri, Sebastian Blanco and Dairon Aspirilla playing a good football lately. Still with Espinoza, Gutierrez and Sanchez amazing display all campaign long offensively and defensively, we have a contest here.
Advantage: Even
Forwards
Portland Timbers- Jeremy Ebobisse
SKC- Johnny Russell, Diego Rubio, Daniel Salloi
The way SKC success has been in the campaign has been with its threesome in Russell, Rubio, and Salloi combined to 33 goals. In the case of the Portland Timbers with Blanco, Armenteros, Ebobisse and their Talisman Valeri combining with 36 goals.
Advantage: slightly leaning SKC
MLS Final
December 8, 2018
Sporting Kansas City
Portland
