(5) Portland Timbers (1-0-0- 3 points) vs (7) LAFC (0-0-0, 0 points)
Saturday March, 4, 2023 1:30 PM PST/ 4:30 PM PM EST
BMO Field, Los Angeles, California
Portland Timbers Briefly
The Portland Timbers are ready to rock the league with an all-around statement and looking forward to continue its winning ways against last season champions LAFC.
With the Black and Gold opening game being suspended due to the inclement weather currently affecting all of California, we can see a very tough outing in Tinsel Town.
As the Green and Gold are arming themselves with a future announcement and presentation of their new forward Franck Boli and still looking for a center back, the team is finally seeing the reality of competition in MLS.
Last week’s opening day win at home was huge, but in the course of the season the Rose City side will have its hands full and looking forward to make it all the way into the postseason.
Defensively, the team is looking very solid and maybe with a new center back, we will see what this new player bring for the Timbers. In their Monday win, they looked very solid and played with a lot of confidence, but the question is if they can show consistency.
On the offensive side, we are looking into Evander starting to show the game that brought him to Rose City, and what formation and players will be in the starting eleven for Giovanni Savarese’s side.
Photo courtesy of LAFC
LAFC Briefly
Gareth Bale announced his retirement before the start of the season, leaving a big hole in the Black and Gold attack as the man was very vocal and opportune in the postseason and in MLS Cup.
Still, they have their one of a kind playmaker in Carlos Vela. However, the need to build this team defensive backfield was imperative in their defense of their hard earned championship as well winning their second Supporters Shield.
With the arrival of Aaron Long as a free agent and Honduran Denil Maldonado on loan, the team is building up on their roster with new additions in Bosnian keeper Eldin Jakupovic, forward Stipe Biuk, defender Sergi Palencia, and midfielder Timothy Tillman.
Ready or not, LAFC is ready and looking to a successful season and defense of their championship and as well looking forward to fill BMO Stadium with more trophies, looking for the elusive Concacaf Champions League.
Meetings
10/02/2022 Portland Timbers 1-2 LAFC
05/10/2022 LAFC 2-0 Portland Timbers
03/06/2022 LAFC 1-1 Portland Timbers
Forecast
LAFC is looking forward for its first match of the season, but can Portland deliver with an upset
