(4) Portland Timbers (16,13,4, 52 points) vs (12) Austin FC (9,20,4, 31 points)
Sunday November 7, 2021, KO 3:00 PM PST/ 6:00 PM EST
Providence Park, Portland, Oregon
Portland Timbers Briefly
A magnificent display of football in Rio Tinto Stadium in midweek against RSL as the Timbers stunned them to a 3-1 win.
That was then and this is now as the Portland side is looking to close with a positive result on Sunday afternoon at home against one of their most vocal opponents, Austin FC, after losing twice on the road.
However, streaks are meant to be broken and closing with a high note, and a win over the Verdes, will be somehow an injection of optimism and confidence going into the postseason.
A great match that saw one of Gio’s assistants, Carlos Llamosa, making his debut at the Timber’s helm and making all the right moves all game long and drawing the attention of many teams in the league.
The return to the lineup of defender Claudio Bravo and Sebastian Blanco uplifted the Timbers’ game and overall performance on Wednesday night on the road, as well as playing a near-perfect game.
After this game, the focus is now on their next foe, come to the playoffs, and be ready to front the challenge of whatever team will the Portland Timbers be facing next. In my conclusion, the Timbers are ready and looking like sure contenders to be in the final.
Probable Lineup:
GK Steve Clark, Josecarlos Van Rankin, Bill Tuiloma, Dario Zuparic, Claudio Bravo; Diego Chara, Cristhian Paredes; Yimmi Chara, Sebastian Blanco, Dairon Aspirilla; Felipe Mora
Austin FC Briefly
Back-to-back wins are among the feats newcomer Austin FC has over the Portland Timbers this season.
As expected, the debut season for the Austin FC has nothing new to be expected as the club had its share of good games but for next season, its directives are looking forward to next year and for better results.
Manager Josh Wolff is back to the drawing board for next season and despite the firepower in some newcomer players in the league such as Tomas Pochettino, Sebastian Druissi, and Cecilio Dominguez, they couldn’t carry the team above the playoff line in the Western Conference. But overall, despite the many lows these had in their unveiling season, the ups were its supportive fan base.
As last week’s win over Sporting Kansas City was a serious statement, the team is coming motivated to play the role of spoiler and continue their dominance over the Portland Timbers with a win at home.
My question is if they can continue the mastery over the Timbers playing as visitors?
Probable Lineup:
GK Brad Stuver, Jon Gallagher, Julio Cascante, Alexander Ring, Zan Kolmanic; Jared Stroud, Tomas Pochettino, Daniel Pereira, Diego Fagundez; Sebastian Druissi, Mousa Djite
Meetings
08/21/21 Austin FC 3-1 Portland Timbers
07/01/21 Austin FC 4-1 Portland Timbers
Line
Austin FC is coming with a lot of momentum and closing with a win will be a serious statement
Portland Timbers
Austin FC
