The Portland Timbers take on the Colorado Rapids in a snowy Dicks Sporting Goods Arena this afternoon. Weather reports put new head coach Pablo Mastroeni’s first home game in the 30 degree range with an 80% chance of snow. With both weather and altitude playing against the Timbers, Caleb Porter is going to need a solid plan to earn his first win of 2014.
Last week in New York, Colorado was able to earn a penalty late in the second half to pull things level. The Rapids’ rookie keeper, John Berner, got his first MLS start in-place of an injured Clint Irwin. Berner fared well in only allowing Henry to beat him a single time. He should be starting again this week against Portland.
Outside the box, Colorado has muscle. Their defenders, midfielders, and forwards can all bully opponents off the ball and cause turnovers. Luckily for Portland, Chris Klute will be missing from the Rapids backline. Former Sounder Marc Burch will be in his place. The offensive minded back could work in favor of Nagbe and Valeri by opening up space on the wing. But, it’s easy to forget his late goal against the Timbers in the 2013 playoffs.
This afternoon may hold a Great Wall of Gambia sighting if Norberto Paparatto is unable to start after picking up a knock against Chicago. Some fans might be happy to hear this; Twitter tends to be quick to judge centerback mistakes, and they’re correct in some places. The penalty given up last week was completely his fault. Quincy Amarikwa took a dive, but it was well timed and Norberto was in a terrible position while going too fast. Even so, he played well for the majority of play and worked hard in defending. On the positive side, Pa Modou Kah will return to the starting lineup after being declared 100% healthy by coach Porter. His athleticism will be needed against youngsters Dillon Powers and Deshorn Brown.
Portland’s attack could see some changes as well this afternoon. Newcomer, and recently healed, winger Steve Zakuani could make his first start in quite some time. If he does, the odd-man out is likely Maximiliano Urruti. Zak the rapper could be a breath of fresh air with his ability to take defenders one-on-one. Diego Valeri leads the team in shots taken, but has yet to net a goal. Any attention taken off Portland’s designated player is a win.
Keys to the Game:
Winning the Air. The Great Wall of Gambia needs to control the air if Portland wants a shot at three points. Chris Klute being out makes things easier, but the lack of Paparatto’s height might make up for any advantage. And snow is never good for defending set pieces.
Shots form outside. Valeri, Nagbe, Johnson, Jewsbury, and Fernandez can all score outside the box. Not to mention that Gaston has a knack for pounding in misclearances and mistakes. I think the Timbers will score at least once off a rebound or poorly cleared ball.
Starting Lineups:
Portland Timbers: Ricketts; Harrington, Futty, Kah, Jewsbury; Johnson, Chara; Zakuani, Valeri, Nagbe; Fernandez
Colorado Rapids: Berner; Burch, Moor, Wynne, O’Neill; LaBrocca; Mari, Powers; Serna, Brown, Torres
