Portland Timbers vs NYCFC
Saturday, December 11, 2021, KO 12:00 PM PST/ 3:00 PM EST
Providence Park, Portland, Oregon
MLS Cup 2021
Portland Timbers Briefly
Once again, these two teams meet in another final. As you recall, the Portland Timbers faced NYCFC back in the MLS-is-Back Tournament in the quarterfinals eliminating them and the Rose City side went on to win the event.
With a dominance over the American version of the Sky Blues, Timbers manager Giovanni Savarese will not be taking things for granted as the man is taking it one game at a time.
Once again, if the defensive game raises to the occasion and stop the likes of the Bronx side top playmakers in Taty Castellanos and Maxi Morales who are both considered serious threats to opposing team defenses.
Another set of players to consider is the defensive backfield with a foursome lead by Maxine Chanot, Tayvon Gray, Alexander Callens, and Malte Amudsen as well as leading the defensive midfield Maxi Moralez and rookie sensation James Sands. In the end, it will all come to the leadership of all pro goalkeepers and team captain Sean Johnson considered a solid rock under the posts.
That this can become a defensive game, you bet as both teams for sure will try their best to get the better part of each one. Still, these Timbers have multiple weapons in their arsenal and for sure these can deliver mayhem to the opposition.
This is the time of truth for the Portland Timbers after the sorry state they were in the season and anyone thinking the opposite of not making it into the postseason, they really silenced their critics—so far!
Give credit to this whole squad for their determination and resolve to be in these stages and most of all Giovanni Savarese who juggled his team at times despite all the difficulties, but in the end, the man turned the tables for the best.
Probable Lineup:
GK Steve Clark, Josecarlos Van Rankin, Larry’s Mabiala, Dario Zuparic, Claudio Bravo; Diego Chara, Cristhian Paredes; Yimmi Chara, Sebastian Blanco, Dairon Aspirilla; Felipe Mora
NYCFC Briefly
Since his arrival, last season at the helm of the Boys in Blue the man from Norway has turnaround his team into a very improved and confidence-filled team.
As you recall, the man made his debut last season making his debut with the Bronx’s Blues in the MLS-is-Back Tournament where his Boys were eliminated by the Timbers. NYC will be hoping for a sort of payback as the man is looking for a major trophy to highlight the halls of Yankee Stadium in the Bronx.
Still, the man should consider the momentum these Timbers currently have and are currently playing beyond belief. Something his side is doing the same and makes it a very interesting final. Two teams considered underdogs and having their share of faults, the American version of the Sky Blues are on a roll.
By taking out three heavyweights in Atlanta United, New England, and Philadelphia in Eastern Conference Final speak aloud of Deila’s work with the Big Apple team. Another player that was raised on the occasion was Sean Johnson after he was a big part of New England’s elimination after the man became the game hero.
Coming to Saturday’s game, the main concern for NYCFC manager is the frontal attack of the Portland Timbers playing at home, with Dairon Aspirilla back in the lineup, Yimmy Chara and either Sebastian Blanco or Santiago Moreno in the lineup. These attacking trio along with Felipe Mora somehow will be a nightmare for the New York backfield.
This is it, many state that streaks are meant to be broken, but one thing is for sure both sides will delight us with what looks to be an amazing championship game with a clash of two titans.
Probable Lineup:
GK Sean Johnson, Tayvon Gray, Maxime Chanot, Alexander Callen, Malte Amudsen; James Sands, Alfredo Moralez; Jesus Medina, Maxi Moralez, Santiago Rodriguez; Valentin Taty Castellanos
Meetings
08/01/2020 NYCFC 1-3 Portland Timbers
07/07/2019 NYCFC 0-1 Portland Timbers
04/22/2018 Portland Timbers 3-0 NYCFC
Line
Once again, I won’t dare to place a favorite, very even as both sides come inspired for this match
Portland Timbers
NYCFC
