(8) Portland Timbers (6,6,9, 27 points) vs (13) San Jose Earthquakes (5,8,7, 22 points)
Saturday July 23, 2022 KO 7:30 PM PST/ 10:30 PM EST
Providence Park, Portland Oregon
Portland Timbers Briefly
The Timbers are riding on a six-game unbeaten streak, as well as in five straight matches scoring via penalty and looking forward to continue its ascent in the Western Conference looking to move above the red line.
Don’t count this team out as they are looking like the comeback kids, despite last Sunday’s game being held by a defensive bunker placed by Vancouver in the second half its when a number of opportunities arose.
That was when the Timbers delivered with a play that brought Felipe Mora down in the area and the game official didn’t hesitate to award the penalty in favor of the Timbers and Mora delivered a beauty of a goal with his first score of the season.
However, the last time the Timbers faced off the Quakes, they did not had a field day and lost in what could been a probable win back in San Jose. Well, that was then and now the Timbers can continue its unbeaten path with a win at home.
As defense wins games, the Timbers defense is delivering quality in every game as well for its players. But with consistency, the results will come as this team is on a roll lately and solidify its position at home as one invincible squad.
The way this team is playing like a well-oiled machine and seeing all its pieces coming together, seeing the development and full growth and confidence of Santiago Moreno becoming an indisputable starter alongside Yimmi Chara with Sebastian Blanco.
Jaroslaw Niezgoda is enjoying a good second half start and with seven goals, the man is aware of the competition that Felipe Mora brings to him and the need to continue with his amazing performances is a necessity for him.
Another plus is the Timbers bench that is becoming crucial if not well-timed when some of its players come on to the field and start putting their best efforts and results being very visible.
Probable Lineup:
GK Aljaz Ivacic, Josecarlos Van Rankin, Larrys Mabiala, Dario Zuparic, Claudio Bravo; Diego Chara, Cristhian Paredes; Santiago Moreno, Sebastian Blanco, Yimmi Chara; Jaroslaw Niezgoda
San Jose Earthquakes Briefly
For interim Quakes manager Alex Covelo so far, his team is not fulfilling its expectations when he suddenly took over the legacy left by Matias Almeyda back at PayPal Park.
The team is still is near the cellar of the Western Conference and General Manager Chris Leitch is looking at any cost to filled a number of holes and try to fulfill its interim manager wish list.
This match is also a sort of homecoming for Jeremy Ebobisse currently in second or third place in the race of the Golden Boot and he for sure will be looking to score against his old club, looking for an upset.
With defender Francisco Calvo moving on to Turkish Süper Lig club Konyaspor and letting Eduardo Chofis Lopez’s loan expire and return to Liga MX Chivas Rayadas Mexico, the club is experiencing a dilemma if they are to make it into the postseason.
Not keeping any consistency in their winning ways as well after that win back in May over the visiting Portland Timbers at home, the club hasn’t been able to lift of or see a continuance of their winning ways with a number of heartbreaking results.
Now the question arises what will the club front office will bring during the transfer window very well what players will come and become ready as we speak as well adapt to Covelo’s system and start moving up the standings.
Probable Lineup
GK JT Marcinkowski, Tommy Thompson, Nathan, Tanner Beason, Paul Marie; Jackson Yueill, Eric Remedi, Jamiro Monteiro; Cristian Espinoza, Jeremy Ebobisse, Benjamin Kikanovic
Meetings
05/18/2022 San Jose Earthquakes 3-2 Portland Timbers
10/27/2021 Portland Timbers 2-1 San Jose Earthquakes
08/04/2021 Portland Timbers 1-1 San Jose Earthquakes
Forecast
When the Timbers played in San Jose these had momentum going in their favor, can they repeat it?
Portland Timbers
San Jose Earthquakes
