(6) Portland Timbers (11,9,13, 46 points) vs (8) Real Salt Lake (11,11,11, 44 points)
Sunday October 9, 2022 KO 2:00 PM PST
America First Field, Sandy, Utah
Portland Timbers Briefly
Heartbreaking loss last Sunday against LAFC at home which saw the Black and Gold won their second Supporters’ Shield since their inception, leaving the Portland Timbers stunned after their 95th minute score.
Now that’s in the past and for manager Giovanni Savarese, and it’s is back to business if he would like to see his postseason appearances continue ever since his arrival at the helm of the Rose City side.
However, on Decision Day, for many teams including the Portland side, the Timbers will be looking at any cost to see a continuance of their dominance over the Claret and Cobalt lately.
Still, the irony is that RSL is looking too for the last spot being occupied by an under-pressure Minnesota United who are putting everything on the line against a confident Vancouver Whitecaps.
Yes, I must say the last week of activities have been interesting and the end-of-season in Major League Soccer before the postseason hostilities begin and many teams looking for a last-minute miracle to make it into the grand fete of the playoffs.
Will Gio put in the starting lineup the likes of rookie Juan David Mosquera as well Zac McGraw and deliver a memorable afternoon with a one-of-a-kind defensive display?
On the attack, will the Timbers come with a on target attack as well as be accurate against the goal defended by Zac McGrath and put on an offensive marvel on the field at America First Field?
Probable Lineup:
GK Aljaz Ivacic, Bill Tuiloma, Dario Zuparic, Zac McGraw; Claudio Bravo, Diego Chara, Cristhian Paredes, Juan David Mosquera; Santiago Moreno, Dairon Aspirilla, Sebastian Blanco
Photo Credit and Property of Gerrit Te Hennepe
Real Salt Lake Briefly
After many weeks holding the last spot for the postseason, how will it come for manager Pablo Mastroeni and how will he put an effective game strategy against the Rose City Boys?
A lot is on the line for the Claret and Cobalt as well looking for an favorable result against Minnesota as well a positive one on Sunday against the Portland Timbers, who lately have this side’s number.
A win for sure will be a highlight for RSL who are looking at any cost to repeat in the postseason and maybe this time luck can be on their side., but a loss in the end will be catastrophic.
One way to find out game time on Sunday in a early scheduled match, for both sides, it’s a must-win situation if they would like to see a playing continuance in the always celebrated and much contested playoffs.
Probable Lineup:
GK Zac MacMath, Aaron Herrera, Justen Glad, Marcelo Silva; Andrew Brody, Bryan Ojeda, Jasper Loffelsen, Scott Caldwell, Bryan Oviedo; Jefferson Savarino, Sergio Cordova
Meetings
04/23/2022 Real Salt Lake 0-0 Portland Timbers
12/04/2021 Portland Timbers 2-0 Real Salt Lake
11/03/2021 Real Salt Lake 1-3 Portland Timbers
Forecast
A duel of desperate sides somehow looking to clinch a spot in the postseason
Portland Timbers
