The Portland Timbers are back home today and looking to retake their spot at the top of the Western Conference after falling off the pace on their two-game road trip. In the way are expansion side Atlanta United and their powerful attack, boasting a trio of young attacking midfielders who are among the best in the league.
Previews
Match Preview: “The return of Valeri to the fold is key for the Timbers in this match as they will need someone to pull the strings on the break and combine with Sebastian Blanco and Fanendo Adi as they look to break down Atlanta. Valeri’s ability to get down the field and create chances was something that the Timbers were sorely lacking against San Jose, putting a creative burden on Darren Mattocks and Dairon Asprilla that just did not fit with their styles of play.”
Preview Interview: “[Josef Martinez has] already been ruled out for the Portland match. That's bad news for Atlanta. He adds an incredible dynamic to their attack that backup striker Kenwyne Jones just can't provide. Martinez's pace and awareness allows him to split center backs apart at a moment's notice. Jones is a strong, tall striker who brings a different kind of style to Atlanta's attack, but not one that fits an up-tempo Martino system, in my opinion.”
And stop by the Rose City Forecast to make your predictions about today’s match.
Match Information
Watch it on: ESPN
When: Sunday, April 14th at 1:00 p.m. PT
Where: Providence Park in Portland, OR
Portland Timbers: 5-3-2, 4th place in the Western Conference, Lost 3-0 at San Jose Earthquakes
Atlanta United: 3-4-2, 8th place in the Eastern Conference, Lost 3-1 at NYCFC
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