Heading into the weekend the Portland Timbers have a difficult task ahead of them as they attempt to grab their first win one road of their hated rivals, the Seattle Flounders…I mean Sounders (I am a fan after all).
Dispensing with the history which has been well documented, let’s take a look at the keys to the game.
The Timbers defense will have to continue to show the same form they did at home against Real Salt Lake and Philadelphia. Expect Portland to depend on the centerback pairing of Eric Brunner and Futty Danso to set the tempo for the back line. The one liability continues to be Rodney Wallace who at times looks overmatched on the wing. John Spencer may continue to allow his team to play deep allowing Seattle to bring the ball to them and beat them back on the counter attack. Jorge Perlaza displayed a real threat on his runs against Philadelphia and linked up with Diego Chara on some near misses.
The key of the game will be Portland’s ability to continue to convert on set pieces which have accounted for more than 60% of their goals this season. The Timbers rely upon the Jack Jewsbury to maintain the level of service which has led to many a goal by Portland. Additionally the battle in the midfield will pit Diego Chara against Osvaldo Alonso who has needed to step up in the absence of Steve Zakuani. With Chara becoming more comfortable with his teammates he will need to continue to create opportunities with his vision and commanding presence.
Timbers pull one out 2-1.
(image courtesy of Craig Mitchelldyer)
