Portland Timbers vs. Chivas USA Preview and Match Thread [8:00 PM]
by Geoff Gibson on Aug 24, 2011 1:42 PM PDT
Email
Print
Tonight's match will be our last home game for over 3 weeks as the Portland TImbers then head off to D.C. United and the Philadelphia Union for a couple of away matches while taking a week long break at the beginning of September (probably much deserved after this August's string of 7 matches). So take it in as much as possible and prepare yourself for some withdrawals...
Anyway, tonight's match is against Chivas USA. So far this year the Timbers are 1-1-0 (W-L-D) against the southern California side having beaten Chivas 2-nil at Merlo Field in US Open Cup play and then losing to them much more recently at the Home Depot Center. Both teams are almost even in the Western Conference standings making tonight's match that much more exhilarating. Each has quite a bit to win or lose from tonight's game.
Let's check out each team:
Assessing Our Team
The Timbers are coming off an impressive game against the Vancouver Whitecaps which saw them win 2-1 over our Cascadian rivals. In fact, it was a game dominated by a single man: Diego Chara. I'm not sure what the Timbers would have done without him to be honest as, aside from scoring one hell of a goal in the first two minutes, he was constantly pressuring and making decisive plays that lead to meaningful attacks. It's my hope we'll see a similar fire from him tonight, although soccer can be a cruel sport.
Aside from that the other big news coming out of last weekend's game was that Futty Danso was injured. It was unfortunate because he was having a good game up until then but a hamstring pull has caused him to sit on the sidelines for a few weeks. As such we'll probably see Eric Brunner and David Horst starting with Steve Purdy sitting on the bench in case anything dangerous happens.
It'll be interesting if we get to see recent pick up Eric Alexander at any time tonight. I',m not sure what's happening with him, but I'm assuming the Timbers may not play him until either the DC United match or, more more likely, against the Philadelphia Union. That said, instead of subbing in James Marclin I think I'd rather see what Alexander can do in that position. We'll see...
Up top I'm assuming we'll be seeing the usual combination of Kenny Cooper and Jorge Perlaza. Perlaza has scored in each of his last three home games so that's something to hopefully look forward to. I'd also like to see Cooper net a home goal as it's been quite a while since he's gotten one.
Here's my projected starting line up:
Troy Perkins; Mike Chabala, David Horst, Eric Brunner, Lovel Palmer; Sal Zizzo, Jack Jewsbury (c), Diego Chara, Darlington Nagbe; Kenny Cooper, Jorge Perlaza
Assessing the Enemy
If you read my interview with Alicia from The Goat Parade you'll probably have a better understanding of the current Chivas USA squad. If you haven't I suggest checking it out!
The last time Portland faced off against Chivas the guys came home with 0 points. It's unfortunate but such is soccer. Still, given that last result it's even more important for the Timbers to earn their keep tonight. Chivas, however, won't be looking to make that an easy prospect.
First, the big guy to look out for will be Juan Pablo Angel. You guys will probably remember him from the Los Angeles Galaxy in the game splayed previously against LA. He was fairly ineffectual at LA leading many to wonder if he was too old to play the game. However, in his first and only game with Chivas so far he has scored a goal. So it's quite possible he just never fit in with LA's squad...
Another player to watch out for will be Nick LaBrocca. He's been stellar for the California squad this year and was a constant thorn in the side of the Timbers during their last meet up. In Chivas's usual diamond formation he operates as the attacking element feeding to players like Juan Pable Angel or Justin Braun (when he's playing up top).
Here is who Alicia is expecting to start tonight:
GK: Dan Kennedy
DF: Michael Lahoud, Heath Pearce, Michael Umana, Ante Jazic
MF: Ben Zemanski, Simon Elliott, Nick LaBrocca, Jorge Flores
FW: Juan Pablo Angel, Alejandro Moreno
Final Thoughts
The Timbers only have 4 home games left (including tonight's match). If they can win each of those games they'll be in a good position to secure a play-off spot with 42 points so long as they can win at least one road game and get a couple draws. It'll take a bit of luck in the standings, but contrary to what I've said in the past, I think the Timbers can still very much get into the play-offs this year, but it all starts with tonight's game.
--
Tonight's match kiks off at 8:00 PM at Jeld-Wen Field. You can catch it on ROOT SPORTS.
253 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Heck yes
They will hear me through the TV!
Contributing editor to Stumptown Footy the Portland Timbers SBN blog.
Roster
Starting XI: Perkins-G, Chabala-D, Brunner-D, Horst-D, Palmer-D, Zizzo-M, Alhasssan-M, Jewsbury-M ©, Chara-M, Perlaza-F, Cooper-F #RCTID
Jag kom, jag såg, erövrade jag.
Subs
Timbers Subs: Brown-G, Nagbe-F, Dike-F, Marcelin-F, Alexander-M, Wallace-M, Purdy-M #RCTID
Jag kom, jag såg, erövrade jag.
Do we see Alexander today?
what do you think?
Contributing editor to Stumptown Footy the Portland Timbers SBN blog.
If anyone is watching online,
care to share your site?? The one I usually use is down. It’d be much appreciated!
I can't say where it will be
But maybe you should somehow email my Brother Kejsare or post your email….
Contributing editor to Stumptown Footy the Portland Timbers SBN blog.
mdkathon-at-gmail-dot-com
can i haz streams?
Sports. Right?
BTW, Toronto-Dallas game power outage
Proof. http://yfrog.com/h6u6ggvj
Jag kom, jag såg, erövrade jag.
That's hot
There’s possible lightning and thunder storms tonight in the Rose City as well
Blazers win!
They just ended it. Line drive to 3rd for the final out, M's win 9-2
I didn’t know the M’s could win, let alone DOMINANTLY!!!
Blazers win!
Wasn't it a replay?
Cause I swear I saw the score on O-live
Contributing editor to Stumptown Footy the Portland Timbers SBN blog.
If it was then I'm really pissed
Even more ticked than I was over the LLWS Regional Semi’s over the USMNT’s match on ESPN
Blazers win!
The recap was posted at 5:30
That tells you what time it actually was (day game)
Contributing editor to Stumptown Footy the Portland Timbers SBN blog.
Predictions?
Mine is Portland 2-0
Contributing editor to Stumptown Footy the Portland Timbers SBN blog.
We need Zizzo
To have a good game.
Contributing editor to Stumptown Footy the Portland Timbers SBN blog.
Maybe Alhassan should play that cross earlier
Contributing editor to Stumptown Footy the Portland Timbers SBN blog.
Well that can be read two ways
Either our forwards are lazy or aggressive
Contributing editor to Stumptown Footy the Portland Timbers SBN blog.
There's no way we shouldn't win every 50/50 ball
Chivas has but one player over 6’, and he’s the KEEPER
Blazers win!
Sometimes it is about effort not size
But I agree with your assumption
Contributing editor to Stumptown Footy the Portland Timbers SBN blog.
Watching a Swedish broadcast.
But they don’t dubb English broadcasts.
Jag kom, jag såg, erövrade jag.
Common practice to subtitle scripted programs.
But leave it clean live
Jag kom, jag såg, erövrade jag.
Wow
A ref actually talking to his 4th and getting a call right
Contributing editor to Stumptown Footy the Portland Timbers SBN blog.
Chabala was soft on that D
Can’t let him get around that easily
Contributing editor to Stumptown Footy the Portland Timbers SBN blog.
We look fresher than against Vancouver
Not so tired being at home for a week
Contributing editor to Stumptown Footy the Portland Timbers SBN blog.
Blackout??
Is anyone not getting root sports to come in for you on direct tv? I am in EUGENE and the game isnt coming in….thanks
I am in Baker watching on Direct TV
Contributing editor to Stumptown Footy the Portland Timbers SBN blog.
Did you try Standard Def and Not HD?
Contributing editor to Stumptown Footy the Portland Timbers SBN blog.
Post a email and someone can provide a stream
Contributing editor to Stumptown Footy the Portland Timbers SBN blog.
Standard Def
Is there a standard def channel for root sports? the hd channel is 687, thanks
by mrlebowski79 on Aug 24, 2011 8:36 PM PDT up reply actions
I saw a Standard def when searching for it.
Will look, email me at ryan.r.gates@gmail.com for a link…..
Contributing editor to Stumptown Footy the Portland Timbers SBN blog.
Sorry I was wrong
I am on Dish, at my Uncles not at home. But it was never blacked out when I was in PDX
Contributing editor to Stumptown Footy the Portland Timbers SBN blog.
I wish our wins knew how to cross the ball
So many wasted chances
Contributing editor to Stumptown Footy the Portland Timbers SBN blog.
Dangerous spot
Come on Timbers!
Contributing editor to Stumptown Footy the Portland Timbers SBN blog.
I apologize!
I will keep it to myself…. or Say I would like Jewsbury to take it instead :)
Contributing editor to Stumptown Footy the Portland Timbers SBN blog.
It's getting to be a pet peeve of mine
bashing the guys when they’re on the field. Coop’s been giving a damn good effort
Blazers win!
At least it was on frame
Unlike what Cooper would have done
Contributing editor to Stumptown Footy the Portland Timbers SBN blog.
...I'm thinking the Timbers need to train with the Blazers
Learn how to box out the keeper lol
Blazers win!
LOL
Or the Blazers need to work with the Timbers to learn how to get by someone who is boxing out, like Horst getting to that ball :)
Contributing editor to Stumptown Footy the Portland Timbers SBN blog.
Great Save
The TA sounds thunderous tonight btw! Now that’s atmosphere. Somebody show this to the supporters at the Emirates.
Well that will help the Timbers
2 subs in the first half
Contributing editor to Stumptown Footy the Portland Timbers SBN blog.
Guess not
Just thought there was
Contributing editor to Stumptown Footy the Portland Timbers SBN blog.
Perlaza!
Just need a little softer touch
Contributing editor to Stumptown Footy the Portland Timbers SBN blog.
Well
There it is. only 1 sub for 50+ minutes
Contributing editor to Stumptown Footy the Portland Timbers SBN blog.
Probably keeping him rested for DC United on Saturday
he played a full 90 on Sunday vs the Caps reserves
Blazers win!
Talked to Spencer about that last game
He just felt Nagbe was getting dead legs and needed a break. Apparently he felt he needed some more rest.
I also think he will be starting on Sat with a quick turn around.
Contributing editor to Stumptown Footy the Portland Timbers SBN blog.
If he’s getting dead legs, why do you play him 90 minutes in a reserve match? Makes no sense.
long live the jd.
Dunno
Didn’t see that cause I wasn’t at the reserves. Spencer just said that he didn’t play against Vancouver because of dead legs.
Contributing editor to Stumptown Footy the Portland Timbers SBN blog.
Strikes me as coach speak. If that was really the reason I highly doubt he’d have gone 90 for the reserves. My guess is Spencer doesn’t think he’s in the best 11 right now, which I would strongly disagree with.
long live the jd.
Said he rested Brunner and Nagbe
A reserve game is different than a Cascadia Cup game
Contributing editor to Stumptown Footy the Portland Timbers SBN blog.
To keep his fitness I assume
Give him too much time off with no run and he’ll be in worse shape
Blazers win!
Yes it was
He got up there and a great time for it
Contributing editor to Stumptown Footy the Portland Timbers SBN blog.
8-1-2
When scoring first….. We need to score first more often
Contributing editor to Stumptown Footy the Portland Timbers SBN blog.
Not only we win
But we are second behind 2 teams with four 3+ goal games
Contributing editor to Stumptown Footy the Portland Timbers SBN blog.
Yeah
Love the pass by Cooper and almost had the rebound
Contributing editor to Stumptown Footy the Portland Timbers SBN blog.
Holding sleepy baby in arms for Brunner goal
=
Quite, restrained excitement.
Jag kom, jag såg, erövrade jag.
Had a sleeping 3 year old
on the couch next to me= quiet fist pump and bottled up energy.
Contributing editor to Stumptown Footy the Portland Timbers SBN blog.
Half-time tidbit
@TimbersFC
Portland Timbers
STAT: In all four games in which Brunner has scored (all competitions), the Timbers have kept a clean sheet. #rctid
Jag kom, jag såg, erövrade jag.
but he didn't play in that one
Contributing editor to Stumptown Footy the Portland Timbers SBN blog.
whoops
Was thinking of the San Jose game…. doh you are right
Contributing editor to Stumptown Footy the Portland Timbers SBN blog.
I love our Center backs and their prowess in the air on Corners.
They just cause the other team tons of trouble.
Contributing editor to Stumptown Footy the Portland Timbers SBN blog.
I agree with Smith
Still picture the game as 0-0
Contributing editor to Stumptown Footy the Portland Timbers SBN blog.
Alhassan is great but I think he needs to work on his Crossing
Contributing editor to Stumptown Footy the Portland Timbers SBN blog.
I love the high pressure the Timbers are employing
Contributing editor to Stumptown Footy the Portland Timbers SBN blog.
He is
:) at least from the outside back position
Contributing editor to Stumptown Footy the Portland Timbers SBN blog.
Wow
They cancelled the Toronto FC Dallas game and replay it on Thursday (CCL game)
Contributing editor to Stumptown Footy the Portland Timbers SBN blog.
Great shot
On frame and forced a save
Contributing editor to Stumptown Footy the Portland Timbers SBN blog.
I Like Chewy taking the corners
Contributing editor to Stumptown Footy the Portland Timbers SBN blog.
Yeah that is what I saw
Held his the Keeper’s jersey
Contributing editor to Stumptown Footy the Portland Timbers SBN blog.
Sort of
When he score apparently he scores in bunches but his 7 goals are only in 3 games :)
Contributing editor to Stumptown Footy the Portland Timbers SBN blog.
wow
Great save on a great shot.
Contributing editor to Stumptown Footy the Portland Timbers SBN blog.
We have been missing that long shot
Contributing editor to Stumptown Footy the Portland Timbers SBN blog.
Brunner has had 3 shots on Goal
All three have been headers and all three have been goals.
Contributing editor to Stumptown Footy the Portland Timbers SBN blog.
So Alexander makes Dax expendable
And we end up with him?
Contributing editor to Stumptown Footy the Portland Timbers SBN blog.
Cooper had a great game I think
Contributing editor to Stumptown Footy the Portland Timbers SBN blog.
Colombians up top
Everyone else back
Contributing editor to Stumptown Footy the Portland Timbers SBN blog.
Tackle from behind....
So close
Contributing editor to Stumptown Footy the Portland Timbers SBN blog.
And we win the ball
We need to possess it
Contributing editor to Stumptown Footy the Portland Timbers SBN blog.
Sheesh, Chivas were really creeping up there
Not good to see. Let’s get some of that possession back please
Hopefully Nagbe can keep possession
Contributing editor to Stumptown Footy the Portland Timbers SBN blog.
I actually think switching to only one up top is a bad idea
Every time we effectively kill off one of their attacks a knock a ball forward, there’s almost zero chance that a timber is going to be on the receiving end.
Hit it with Pace
Don’t chip it
Contributing editor to Stumptown Footy the Portland Timbers SBN blog.
Wallace is going to play his more natural position
IMHO
Contributing editor to Stumptown Footy the Portland Timbers SBN blog.
Great job on D
They scrambled but they didn’t give in
Contributing editor to Stumptown Footy the Portland Timbers SBN blog.
Wow
It’s amazing what 10 seconds of calmness on the ball does. All of a sudden everyone moves into position and gets to move the ball
wow
Ok, that is the game….. but wow should not have happened. Palmer was bailed out
Contributing editor to Stumptown Footy the Portland Timbers SBN blog.
Wow that was a silver platter
All the timbers need to go high five that guy and say thanks for the 3 points.
YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
Contributing editor to Stumptown Footy the Portland Timbers SBN blog.
Tied for the 10th spot
Technically 11th due to tiebreakers but almost in the play-offs!!!
Contributing editor to Stumptown Footy the Portland Timbers SBN blog.
Great we got the 3 points
But it’s unbelievably frustrating having to watch our guys just sit back a try to absorb the other team’s attack for 40 minutes.
We’re better than that. I know it.
Patience, I just gotta have patience I guess.
We won't remember that
all we will remember is that we won!
Contributing editor to Stumptown Footy the Portland Timbers SBN blog.
Great commenting with you
night all!
Contributing editor to Stumptown Footy the Portland Timbers SBN blog.
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Stumptown Footy
Related FanShots on Stumptown Footy
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
