Portland Timbers vs. Real Salt Lake: How to Watch, Previews, Preseason Match Chat [7:30]

It is game time, everybody!

The Portland Timbers are back and the preseason invitational is underway at Providence Park tonight as Minnesota United and the Vancouver Whitecaps open for the main event: the Portland Timbers vs. Real Salt Lake.

With the Timbers planning on running out their starting XI in tonight’s match, what we see today should prove to be the prototype for the Timbers early in the season. Of course, the Timbers are still short one starting defender and Fanendo Adi is likely still out for this match, so there are still changes yet to come, but with Darlington Nagbe back in town, Sebastian Blanco out on the wing, and David Guzman holding things down in the midfield, the team is getting close.

Previews

Match Preview: “The pairing of Diego Chara and David Guzman bossed an under-strength Sounders side, but RSL should be significantly more match-fit — even if they will be without Kyle Beckerman for tonight’s match — so their ability to control the midfield will be fully on display and a good showing could bode very well for the Timbers’ upcoming season.”

Preview Interview: “A lot of responsibility is being put on Jordan Allen’s shoulders. He’s not being asked to supply a breakout year, but the kid is quality and should drop some major contributions. He’s really showing why he deserves the starting spot vacated by “Burrito” Martínez.”

Match Information

Watch it on: Streaming on Timbers.com

When: Thursday, February 9th at 7:30 p.m. PT

Where: Providence Park in Portland, OR

Portland Timbers: Finished in 7th place in the Western Conference in 2016

Real Salt Lake: Finished in 6th place in the Western Conference in 2016

This is a double-header with Minnesota United vs. the Vancouver Whitecaps starting at 5:00 p.m.