2020 MLS is Back Tournament Final
Portland Timbers vs Orlando City SC
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
Tuesday, August 11, 2020- 5:30 PM PST/ 8:30 PM EST
Portland Timbers Briefly
Against the odds, the Portland Timbers have made it to in the finals.
With flair, spirit, and resolve, they’ve displayed unity through and through. Now they’re ready to claim their place among the league’s elites.
Manager Giovanni Savarese’s locker room pep talks have given his players the confidence necessary to make it this far and the hunger to want more. Actions speak louder than words as a result.
With one game to go, they’re up against another surprise team of the tournament, Orlando City SC, though OCSC is generally known to have an all-around advantage over the Rose City.
If it were suggested that Orlando comes through with a consistent starting eleven, then the same must be said of the Portland Timbers, who tend to come out swinging and are unrelentless in their attack, even when the scoreboard isn’t in their favor.
Many of the players have stood out this season, with Jeremy Ebobisee of course being one of the most prominent top scorers. Another emerging player who shouldn’t be overlooked is Eryk Williamson, who has shown a great defensive game.
Another valuable playmaker in the Timbers starting eleven has been Sebastian Blanco, undoubtedly the tournament MVP for his reliability on the field and ability to deliver when the going gets tough.
Giovanni Savarese has boatloads of talent on his bench and on the field, which should make for an exciting game.
The Portland Timbers will be well-rested coming into the match, but so will Orlando, making for an even game on Tuesday. In the end, it will come down to who shows up to the field with the best strategy in place.
Probable Lineup:
GK Steve Clark, Chris Duvall, Larry’s Mabiala, Dario Zuparic, Jorge Villafaña; Diego Chara, Eryk Williamson; Marvin Loria, Diego Valeri, Sebastian Blanco; Jeremy Ebobisse
Photo: MLS
SC Orlando Briefly
Hail to the Orlando City SC, looking like a true contender in the Oscar Pareja era. A team since its inception in Major League Soccer in 2015, they never made it to the postseason. Who would have known that they’d find themselves at the tournament’s grand finale.
For a team that has become the talk of the event, something tells me to brace myself for an amazing game of football, one that will keep us on the edge of our seats. This team would win the ‘Most Improved’ trophy if there were one and they’re ready to compete among the most elite.
One step at a time, but the way this team has played tells me we’ll see a continuance of the great football they’ve offered up so far.
They’re a team that plays as a team, not solely as individuals, and moving with heart and identity in the game. This all suggests to me that they will be a serious threat to any team in all league play, as well in the Eastern Conference.
Under manager Oscar Pareja, the former FC Dallas, and Xolos FC manager, they’ve shifted to a winner’s mindset, with unity, conviction, and resolve among the starting eleven.
One thing that stands out for the Lions is their series advantage since their inception against the Portland Timbers and one thing that manager Pareja will absolutely attempt to extend come Tuesday when he faces the Rose City.
Probable Lineup:
GK Pedro Gallese, Ruan, Antonio Carlos, Robin Jansson, Joao Mouthino; Oriol Rosell, Jhegson Mendez; Chris Mueller, Mauricio Pereyra, Nani; Tesho Akindele
Meetings
July 18, 2019, Portland Timbers 1-1 Orlando City SC
April 8, 2018, Orlando City SC 3-2 Portland Timbers
September 24, 2017, Portland Timbers 3-0 Orlando City SC
April 3, 2016, Orlando City SC 4-1 Portland Timbers
April 12, 2015, Portland Timbers 0-2 Orlando City SC
Forecast
This will be one amazing game for both sides, even game for me, the golden goal will decide the winner
Orlando City
Portland Timbers
