Portland Timbers vs. Columbus Crew SC: How to watch, preview, match chat [7:30]

The Portland Timbers are just four days removed from their tough road loss over the weekend and memories of the team’s 4-1 loss to the lowly Houston Dynamo are likely still fresh in their minds. However, now is the time for the Timbers to bounce back as they take on the visiting Columbus Crew in tonight’s mid-week match.

The Crew come into today’s game as one of the most defensively sound sides in MLS, adapting to and frustrating just about everyone they match up against. The visitors have lost only once in their last seven matches, most recently drawing Western Conference powerhouse FC Dallas in Frisco.

How the Timbers will rise to meet the Crew tonight will set the stage for the remainder of their run to the playoffs. A win against the Crew could catapult the Timbers back into contention in the West, while a draw or a loss would leave them stranded just above the red line and facing down sides in contention for a playoff spot — or even a bye — in four of their last five matches.

Preview

Storylines: “The Crew will come out in the 4-2-3-1 which is the only formation they’ve used all year. They’re a possession-based squad which exposes them to the counter-attack, which they’re not very good at defending. That’s partially because they rely on their fullbacks in their build-up play; they really get forward and provide crosses into the box for Gyasi Zardes.”

Stop by the Rose City Forecast to make your predictions about tonight’s match.

Match Information

Watch it on: FOX 12 Plus (KPDX)

Where: Providence Park in Portland, OR

When: Wednesday, September 19th at 7:30 p.m. PT

Portland Timbers: 12-8-8, 6th place in the Western Conference, lost 4-1 at Houston Dynamo

Columbus Crew: 12-8-8, 4th place in the Eastern Conference, drew 0-0 at FC Dallas