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The Portland Timbers may have gotten their first win of the 2019 season, but that does not mean that their grueling schedule has let up. The Timbers’ season-opening road swing continues today as they take on another Eastern Conference contender in Toronto FC.
After six matches of struggling to put in a full ninety minute performance, the Timbers finally were able to put together a full game in their 3-1 win against Columbus Crew SC in their 3-1 win last weekend. The Crew were considered one of the most sound defensive teams in MLS coming into the match, but the Timbers were able to expose them, putting up three goals for just the second time this year while still keeping the struggling Crew attack from getting up and running.
Now, however, the Timbers face a Toronto team that has had no problem whatsoever scoring goals, notching eighteen in their six matches so far this season. Toronto will likely be without star striker Jozy Altidore due to a hamstring injury, but that might not mean much with Giovinco-replacement Alejandro Pozuelo buzzing around the final third for TFC. Already on four goals and five assists in just four games with Toronto, Pozuelo promises to be a key part of Toronto’s ability to simply over power teams in the attack and will take everything that the Timbers’ defense has got to keep contained.
Previews
Storylines: “Hopefully the offense can get a bit more of a kick in the rear. Of the three goals scored last week, only one was by a forward or midfielder, and that was Ebobisse. The other two, defender goals: a sweet header and a well-placed goal off the foot of Moreira.”
Swing by the Rose City Forecast to make your predictions about today’s match.
Match Information
Watch it on: ROOT Sports
Where: BMO Field in Toronto Canada
When: Saturday, April 27th at 12:00 p.m. PT
Portland Timbers: 1-5-1, 11th place in the Western Conference, 3-1 win at Columbus Crew SC
Toronto FC: 4-1-1, 3rd place in the Eastern Conference, 4-3 win vs. Minnesota United