Apr 072012
The Portland Timbers (1-2-1, 4 points) are hoping to get back on the winning track as they host Chivas USA (1-3-0, 0 points) in a 7:30 p.m. PST Western Conference matchup at Jeld-Wen Field.
KEEP AN EYE ON:
* Who scores first. The Timbers have given up the first goal in each of their first 4 matches of 2012. This trend has to change for the Timbers as playing from behind continuously will make for a long season.
* The Timbers psyche. How will the Timbers respond after their late collapse against RSL? Overall, the Timbers have lots to positives to take away from
* Where does Nagbe play? It’s a good problem to have for Coach John Spencer, but this is the question everyone is speculating about after Darlington Nagbe had a career game last weekend against RSL. Early in the match, Nagbe traded spots with Diego Chara and the Timbers looked more dynamic than any other time since joining MLS last season. As Nagbe said after the match, “It [the switch] opened things up more and I was able to get on the ball a little bit more and drive at guys a little bit easier.”
Possible starting lineup for the Timbers:
INJURY REPORT:
PORTLAND TIMBERS — OUT: DF Futty Danso (L foot fracture); FW Eddie Johnson (concussion); MF James Marcelin (L hamstring strain) DOUBTFUL: DF David Horst (R hip surgery); DF Hanyer Mosquera (concussion) QUESTIONABLE: MF Sal Zizzo (L ACL surgery); MF Kalif Alhassan (L groin strain); GK Joe Bendik (R knee soreness)
CHIVAS USA– OUT: MF Marvin Iraheta (L knee ACL); FW Juan Pablo Angel (concussion symptoms) DOUBTFUL: DF Michael Lahoud (R hamstring strain); QUESTIONABLE: MF Pete Vagenas (rib contusion)
INTERNATIONAL ABSENCES: none
SUSPENDED:none
MY PREDICTION:
Despite the temptation to hit the panic button, it’s way to early for that. However, it would also be premature to expect an automatic win against Chivas USA. There’s no question that Chivas will likely bunker down and play for a 0-0 draw or 1-0 victory. The Timbers tendency early this season has been to squander some of their opportunities. They won’t be able to afford to do that today against Chivas. All that said, I think the Timbers put together a solid 90 minutes and win 2-0.
Chris Singer
GFT Portland Timbers Blogger. Web designer. Freelancer. MLS Community Manager for @kyckfutbol. Check out my web/book project http://cansoccersavetheworld.com. Follow me on twitter at @futboldaddy.
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