PORTLAND, OR – AUGUST 29, 2018: Portland Timbers defeat Toronto FC 2-0 at Providence Park, Portland, OR (Photo by Diego G Diaz).
(5) Portland Timbers (11-7- 7, 40 points) vs (7) New England Revolution (7-10-8, 29 points)
Saturday September 1, 2018 4:30 PM PST/ 7:30 PM EST Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts
Portland Timbers at a glance
Finally, the negative skid ends at home against the defending champions Toronto FC. With a 2-0 final score and goals from both defensive midfielders Diego Chara 64’ and David Guzman 83’, Portland put an end to an annoying losing streak of four games. Once again, manager Savarese delight us to another surprise start in his starting eleven.
The return and debut of Jorge Villafaña became the highlight of this match. In addition, of his contributions in the field that leads his squad victory over a hardened TFC. The defensive game of the Rose City squad got the boost and high levels of confidence with the return of both Liam Ridgewell and Jorge Villafaña.
Among one of the best parts of this match was seeing the fight these Timbers put on all evening long. No, wonder why manager Giovanni Savarese has high praise for his squad after last night win. Despite the loss on Sunday against Seattle, the way the Portland chaps played a top of the line match.
The win puts the Portland squad above the red line, in fifth place with 40 points. After this win in midweek for Gio and company is business as usual, looking forward to what can become a valuable win on the road.
With their foes recent losing record in six matches just managing to net a point via a draw. The Timbers are aware of playing in one tough venue and against a supportive Revolution faithful that can be a bit loud in the end. For this match for sure Gio will make an encore of his 4-3-2-1 formation.
GK Jeff Attinella, Alvas Powell, Larrys Mabiala, Liam Ridgewell, Zarek Valentin- Diego Chara Lawrence Olum, Andy Polo- Diego Valeri, Sebastian Blanco- Samuel Armenteros
New England Revolution at a glance
For manager Brad Friedel first year in the helm of the Revolution, it does not come easy. Lately his squad in six matches’ has only managed to net a single point. Still not everything is lost as the race to be above the red line that earns your ticket to the postseason is within their reach.
However, the New England bunch aware of their foe might. Still these have somehow the trust of shaking and exorcising their negative streak with a win at home.
Still they have to face off a squad with an all-around momentum in their shoulders. After beating one of their conference foes, the 2017 league champions Toronto FC. So far in the campaign, the Revolution with 29 points and trailing sixth place Montreal by four points, being above the red line.
As the competition narrows and league closing on its last matches in the campaign with September being the peak month in MLS. The need to start gaining some ground is imperative for the new England Revolution whomever these play if they would like to be in the league postseason.
By keeping, a healthy squad and increasing their game with more hunger and desires to win. The upcoming matches will be crucial in the race for the postseason in the Eastern Conference. For this match the probable formation he will send will be his trademark 4-2-3-1. Looking forward to destabilize the Portland game and surprise them with an upset at home.
GK Matt Turner, Andrew Farrell, Jalil Anibaba, Michael Mancienne, Brandon Bye- Wilfred Zahibo, Cristhian Machado- Juan Agudelo, Luis Caicedo, Cristian Penilla- Diego Fagundez
Meetings
April 2, 2017 Portland Timbers 1- New England Revolution 1
April 27, 2016 New England Revolution 1-Portland Timbers 1
Game Prediction
Portland can shake its road blues with an easy win over a whacked Revolution.
PORTLAND, OR – AUGUST 29, 2018: Portland Timbers defeat Toronto FC 2-0 at Providence Park, Portland, OR (Photo by Diego G Diaz).
NE Revolution
Portland
