Sunday the Timbers fly south to take on West Coast powerhouse and defending MLS Cup champions, L.A. Galaxy, which is somewhat of a misnomer seeing as the Hollywood squad has not won in the last 8 games. This includes their most recent loss in the Open Cup to Carolina RailHawks from the North American Soccer League. With the new addition of Danny Mwanga to Portland’s attack, this could be the Timbers’ best opportunity to extract 3 points from the last place team in the Western Conference.
With 4 Galaxy defenders on the MLS Injury List (Gonzalez, Boyens, Gaul, and Leonardo) and not a shutout this season, all eyes will be on Northwest native, Danny Mwanga, to exploit the LA back line. Mwanga who attended Portland’s own Jefferson High School and later played at Oregon State University, has been recently retained from Philadelphia Union in a trade for Jorge Perlaza. The number one MLS draft pick in 2010 brings with him quality strength on the ball and a powerful shot to boot. His ability to hold the ball is anticipated to better complement Kris Boyd who was not able to keep up with the speed of Perlaza.
The Portland faithful hope that Mwanga can be the spark that ignites the Timbers’ attack as opposed to sending their playoff hopes up in smoke. If he can draw on hometown passion, Mwanga may be able to lead Timbers into the post-season. It will take more than just Philadelphia’s ex-number ten to rescue the Timbers’ post-season hopes, however. His addition should be able to activate the inconsistent and often sluggish Scottish big man, Kris Boyd. Boyd’s lack of pace has not helped Rose City on the attack. To his defense, Boyd has been the sole striker for Portland for the majority of this season. A partner up top can only help the sometime discouraging position Boyd finds himself in. A lift in spirits would undoubtedly bring new life into Portland’s offensive, which has mainly been developed along the flanks by the likes of Songo’o, Alhassan, & Co.
Boyd already claims to be thrilled about this weekend after a promising two training sessions with Mwanga this past week. With speedy wingman, Sal Zizzo, returning from injury and the support of Mwanga’s debut, Boyd has no reason but to give his all at the Home Depot Center – as long as he doesn’t allow the distraction of his newly wed wife to cloud his focus. The Timbers faithful and myself wish Mr. and Mrs. Boyd all the best but expect Kris to come to play in Los Angeles. Troy Perkins will surely do his job between the woodwork but Portland is really hoping for more than just shots over the bar and missed opportunities. It will be a battle but Portland should be able to salvage a very valuable road victory.
(image courtesy of Craig Mitchelldyer)
