Second verse, same as the first.

I’m pretty sure these two teams would rather be facing someone else. Yet here we are with Round 2. The last time out, the Portland Timbers gave up the late lead (again) and dropped two points. If it wasn’t for the last 15 minutes, the Timbers would have had all three points to themselves.

That did not come to pass.

Technically, the Timbers are in a three-way tie for fifth place, but sit just above the playoff lines in seventh place, with the fear of backsliding down the table prevalent. I don’t know how else to put this: This is a MUST WIN match. I’m not being an alarmist here, but this next stretch of games will determine if the MLS is Back Tournament champs can show back up and lead us to the playoffs. That team hasn’t shown up to the pitch since the tournament in Florida.

I’d expect rotation, but I also expect to see Diego Valeri, Diego Chara, and Jeremy Ebobisse in the starting eleven. That really goes without saying. With no Sebastian Blanco, someone is going to need to step up. Eryk Williamson comes to mind. I don’t think he’s a 10, but a solid eight. He can even do work as a six. I really want to see what the kid can do, and now is his time to step up and show the coaches and fans what he’s all about.

I’m all about hopping on a hype train!

Starting Lineups

San Jose Earthquakes

Portland Timbers

Location: Earthquakes Stadium, San Jose CA
Kick-off time: 7:30 Pacific / 10:30 Eastern
TV broadcast: FOX 12+
Rival SB Nation site: Centerline Soccer
Radio broadcast: 750 The Game (English) and La GranD 1150AM/93.5 FM (Spanish)

Join us in the match thread! Rose City ‘til I Die!