2020 MLS is Back Tournament- Quarterfinals
New York City FC vs Portland Timbers
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
Saturday August 1, 2020- 7:30 PM PST/ 10:30 PM EST
Portland Timbers Briefly
Man, does this team have a fighting spirit and plenty of heart, thanks to their manager Giovanni Savarese.
On a roll so far, the Portland Timbers are silencing many of doubters and proving they are the team to beat and should be taken seriously come 2021.
I say this after seeing them stage an amazing first half and sidetracking the likes of the LA Galaxy and Houston Dynamo. They put up a stand up against the LAFC, who had the Green and Gold number – Man, these lads are for real, don’t you think!
One game at a time of course, but I wouldn’t want to be in Gio’s shoes come matchday. We’ll have to see who he will put in the starting lineup as a striker, since both Jeremy Ebobisse and Jaroslaw Niezgoda have had a remarkable tournament.
As the team looks ahead for the next season, we are aware of who will start, as the defensive midfield Diego Chara has found a new partner in Eryk Williamson.
In addition to seeing the defensive game stepping out, not only with Dario Zuparic’s new leadership in the backfield but with Chris Duvall getting a second air, and for some reason we will not miss the likes of Jorge Moreira.
One thing is for sure: Jorge Villafaña needs to pick up his game and see imperative to the return of the defensive game we were accustomed to seeing, along with Steve Clark making wiser decisions on game day.
Teamwork makes the dream work and these Portland Timbers are displaying such an amazing camaraderie in the field and unity that’s becoming the deal formula for their success.
The moment of truth will be seen this upcoming Saturday, will they continue their dominance over the Boys in Blue!
Probable Lineup:
GK Steven Clark, Jorge Villafaña, Larry’s Mabiala, Dario Zuparic, Chris Duvall; Eryk Williamson, Diego Chara; Sebastian Blanco, Diego Valeri, Yimmi Chara; Jeremy Ebobisse
NYCFC Briefly
As the NYCFC finishes as the third-best team, we can call them the comeback kids.
They have taken advantage of their underdog status and are now looking to stage another upset against another surging team as the talk of the tournament is the Portland Timbers.
So far, the NYCFC in their last match against their foes to the north, the Toronto FC, always have the essence of a final between these two fierce rivals.
In their Round of 16, the Citizens’ big guns came alive and with a match seen as a rematch, the Boys from the Big Apple delivered an upset to the Reds of the Toronto FC.
However, for manager Ronny Deila, it’s back to business and aware of how the Rose City boys have been playing and their positive record against his team, the man will need to develop a spotless strategy.
Still, the Bronx Blues are ready to stage another magnificent game and continue with the most of their good fortunes that have exhibited in the tournament so far to try to seize a spot in the coveted semifinals. They will need a great game again from their top playmaker and super substitute Maxi Moralez.
Nothing is written and this match can go to anyone in the end.
Probable Lineup:
GK Sean Johnson, Roland Matarrita, Alexander Callens, Maxime Chanot, Anton Tinnerholm; Alexander Ring, James Sands; Alexandru Mitrita, Jesus Medina, Maxi Moralez; Valentin Castellanos
Meetings
July 7, 2019, NYCFC 0-1 Portland Timbers
April 22, 2018, Portland Timbers 3-0 NYCFC
Forecast
No favorites here, very even game!
New York City FC
Portland Timbers
