Portland Timbers at FC Dallas: How to Watch, Previews, Match Chat [6:00]

The Portland Timbers take on first place FC Dallas tonight as they look to get some clearance above the red line in MLS's Western Conference. The Timbers will be in for a rough one, however, as they take on a team with a four game winning streak on the road in 100 degree heat.

Previews

Match Preview: "If the Timbers' newly acquired winger/forward Lucas Melano's international transfer certificate has come through then the Timbers will have a fast scoring threat ready to break down the pitch and get in behind the Dallas defense, creating scoring chances of his own and making space for the rest of the team to use as they look to break out of the high pressure that Dallas will certainly bring in a match like this."

[Turns out that ITC has come in according to a tweet from Merritt Paulson.]

Preview Interview: "I recall a mix of young, fast players and experienced veterans standing in Castillo's way. Caleb Porter deployed Darlington Nagbe and Alvas Powell on the right wing, both guys very capable of staying with Fabi. When the spine guys like Diego Chara and Nat Borchers closed in on defense, as Castillo dribbled toward goal, they were able to anticipate his movement and halt his progress. Borchers is physically dominating, and he knows where to position himself before someone like Fabian gets there first."

Match Information

Watch it on: ROOT Sports

Kickoff: 6:00 p.m. PT at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, TX

Portland Timbers: 9-7-5, 6th place in the Western Conference

FC Dallas: 10-5-5, 1st place in the Western Conference