Portland Timbers vs. Philadelphia Union: How to watch, preview, match chat [8:00]

The Portland Timbers are in game three of their four game homestand today as they host Eastern Conference side the Philadelphia Union. With Sebastian Blanco suspended, Samuel Armenteros questionable, and Fanendo Adi sold to FC Cincinnati, the Timbers attack is missing some major pieces coming into today’s match and it will be up to Diego Valeri and company to find the answers.

Now fourteen games unbeaten, a result for the Timbers today would equal the side’s 2013 run and become tied for the longest unbeaten run in team history. A win, however, could move the Timbers as high as second place in the West, still with at least one game in hand on everyone else in the conference.

For their part, the Union currently sit within striking distance of a playoff berth in the East, just one point behind the New England Revolution and the Montreal Impact. While the Pennsylvania side have struggled on the road this year, they have taken some notable scalps away from home, including putting up a 3-1 win against the Houston Dynamo last weekend.

Preview

Storylines: “Look for their front four to be dangerous, Cory Burke has been seeing more playing time as late, which moves C.J. Sapong to the bench. Burke co-leads goals scored with Borek Dockal; they each have five apiece. Speaking of Dockal, he’s been involved in at least half of goals scored for the Union. He’s the number 10 and creative force behind the Union’s attack.”

And stop by the Rose City Forecast to make your predictions about today’s match.

Match Information

How to watch: FOX 12 Plus (KPDX)

Where: Providence Park in Portland, OR

When: Saturday, August 3rd at 8:00 p.m. PT

Portland Timbers: 9-3-7, 4th place in the Western Conference, 2-1 win vs. Houston Dynamo

Philadelphia Union: 8-10-3, 7th place in the Eastern Conference, 3-1 win at Houston Dynamo