(10) Portland Timbers (7, 8, 3, 24 points) vs (8) Orlando City SC (7, 9, 4, 25 points)
Thursday July 18, 2019 7:00 PM PST/ 10:00 PM EST
Providence Park, Portland, Oregon
Portland Timbers at a glance
The Portland Timbers had a rude awakening last Saturday night against a determined Colorado Rapids, as these coming to town, were looking forward for an upset over the Timbers.
In the end, the Portland Timbers settled for the draw and share of the points.
This season Major League Soccer hectic schedule is taking a toll on many squads, among one of of them being the Portland Timbers seeing a number of its players on the DL and suspended.
Making it dificult for its manager Giovanni Savarese of the challenges to come in the remainder of the season, as the man will have to make a number of drastic moves in his starting eleven.
As this Thursday night game against Orlando City and Sunday traveling to Seattle to play the always contested Cascadia Derby, Portland’s schedule for sure will be a handful of a challenge.
However, for a club that steps up its performances with clubs in this season being in the top spots, nothing is impossible for them as they for sure can recover their momentum with back to back wins.
Furthermore, this team has one positive thing is its determination to win along its pride come game time, and with no doubt these traits for sure can deliver results at home and on the road.
With every point in play, the Timbers are in need to treat them as a valuable commodity.
For the reason, once again the defensive game will be considered vital and important in these competitions, this of course if the Portland Timbers are seize for a spot in the postseason.
GK Steve Clark, Jorge Moreira, Larry’s Mabiala, Claude Dielna, Zarek Valentin; Cristhian Paredes, Diego Chara; Jeremy Ebobisse, Diego Valeri, Sebastian Blanco; Brian Fernandez
Orlando City at a glance
For manager James O’ Connor he is aware of a win on Thursday night in Providence Park, he can see his side catapult above the red line in the Eastern Conference.
So far, in this season the Lions posting a winning record and moving up the Eastern Conference ranks and being within sixth place, the need to win against the Rose City squad is a must!
As manager James O’ Connor is determined to deliver this squad, its first postseason.
However, with the league nearing into its halfway point before the All Star break, the Lions for sure must see a boost in their game and continue on their winning ways.
A win on the road, especially in Providence Park, for sure will boost this squad momentum.
GK Brian Rowe, Ruan, Lamine Sane, Robin Jansson, Kamal Miller; Carlos Ascues, Sebastian Mendez, Will Johnson; Chris Mueller, Tesho Akindele, Benji Michel
Meetings
April 8, 2018 Orlando City 3-2 Portland Timbers
September 24,2017 Portland Timbers 3-0 Orlando City
April 3, 2016 Orlando 4-1 Portland Timbers
April 12, 2015 Portland Timbers 0-2 Orlando City
Prediction
Orlando City with a slight advantage for this match
