Here we go again! Another road game against a Western Conference rival. This time, however, it's against a team that has been struggling a bit as of late which means that the Portland Timbers could, perhaps, earn themselves three points this evening. To what end? Pride mostly. But it'll also serve as yet another important game for players to prove that they deserve a spot on next year's roster under new head coach: Caleb Porter.
With that in mind, I'll be interested in seeing Danny Mwanga tonight. He came out of the gate last match with something to prove for which he clearly did. Both goals were calmly taken and measured with restraint. Those are the kind of goals the Timbers need which they've also been lacking since joining MLS. Hopefully he'll be able to deliver once again tonight.
General Information
Watch it on: NBC Sports Network
Kick off: 5:00 pm at Rio Tinto
Real Salt Lake: 4th in the West with 46 points
Portland Timbers: 8th in the West with 29 points
LinksReal Salt Lake Preview: Struggling Salt Lake Slipping in Standings - Stumptown Footy
Your best source for quality Portland Timbers news, rumors, analysis, stats and scores from the fan perspective.
Laying seige to the Fortress: How to break it down - Stumptown Footy
A look at what Portland may be focusing on in order to earn a win at Real Salt Lake.
KeyBank Match-up: Darlington Nagbe vs. Kyle Beckerman | Portland Timbers
Timbers aim to build on performance against Quakes as they head to Salt Lake | Portland Timbers
RSL looks to clinch playoff berth with win Saturday over Portland | Real Salt Lake
Final Thoughts
Real Salt Lake will clinch a play off spot with a victory tonight so expect them to come out of the gate hard and fast. That type of pressure doesn't usually serve the Timbers defense well so they might want to rely on the same tactics as last week. Score early and attempt to bunker down to withstand the onslaught. Otherwise, we could see the Timbers go home empty handed... not that it matters too much.