(7) Portland Timbers (13, 12, 4, 43 points) vs (6) New York Red Bulls (12, 13, 5, 41 points)
Wednesday September 18, 2019 7:30 PM PST/ 10:30 PM EST
Providence Park, Portland, Oregon
Portland Timbers at a glance
It does not come easy for manager Giovanni Savarese, dealing with a squad depleted with injuries, especially coming in the final stretch, I must say that their position above the red line is hanging by a thread.
The need to step up is a must in order to close this challenged season with a positive.
At these stages, this is something to be alarmed, but not in the case of Gio as he is one serene man, when the going gets tough and he can front to any challenge, rather than quitting.
As his side endured a very tough loss this past Sunday from DCU a team limited offensively by the Rose City determined defensive game, despite not having its stellar center backs.
That the OG play by Bill Tuiloma, overshadowed the Timbers defensive performance, but in the end the whole foursome and its goalkeeper came big and limited Wayne Rooney and company to just seven shoots.
However, the dependence of its top play makers somehow must change and for the substitutes the need to step up more- is imperative and elemental for this team missing its dynamite in its game.
For the Portland Timbers therefore comes another challenge in midweek, by playing against a team with a losing streak and hungry for wins, the Red Bulls for sure will be a handful and play with no margin for error.
Furthermore, the Timbers with five games remaining in the season, therefore their compromise to win every game is a necessity if these are to reserve a spot in the postseason.
GK Steve Clark, Jorge Moreira, Bill Tuiloma, Claude Dielna, Jorge Villafaña; Diego Chara, Eryk Williamson; Cristhian Paredes, Diego Valeri, Jeremy Ebobisse; Brian Fernandez
New York Red Bulls at a glance
The New York Red Bulls are looking to rebound from a horrible three game winless streak.
As the former Metros, currently experiencing this odd streak, for manager Chris Armas, the pressure mounts for him and his side as every match and points so far, are considered vital for his team.
So far, the Red Bulls are somehow vulnerable with another loss as Chicago and Montreal being within striking distance as well New England with one point, the need to win is necessary if they are to make it into the postseason.
A win in Providence Park for sure will be uplifting for these struggling New York Red Bulls looking at any cost to stop their losing streak with a valuable win on the road.
GK Luis Robles, Michael Murillo, Aaron Long, Amro Tarek, Rece Buckmaster; Sean Davis, Marc Rzatkowski; Cristian Casseres JR, Alejandro Romero Gamarra, Daniel Royer; Bradley Wright- Phillips
Meetings
March 10, 2018 New York Red Bulls 4-0 Portland Timbers
August 18, 2017 Portland Timbers 2-0 New York Red Bulls
July 10, 2016 New York Red Bulls 0-0 Portland Timbers
Forecast
Even match for both sides, the team with the best resolve will be the ultimate winner
Portland Timbers
