The Portland Timbers will play their fifth MLS match of the season today against the San Jose Earthquakes, and I’m very interested to see how this turns out. I’m interested because this team is nowhere near full strength. Portland had to sign a goalkeeper midweek since the top three options are all out, the most recent injury being a season-ending one for Jeff Attinella.

On top of that, the Timbers will be without Diego Chara and Larry Mabiala — and are still without key players such as Sebastian Blanco, Jaroslaw Niezgoda, and Cristhian Paredes. The Timbers have become the living embodiment of the Black Knight of “Monty Python’s The Holy Grail,” just shouting “ ‘Tis but a scratch” while continuing to play matches.

The horrific run of injuries is probably more of an indictment on the scheduling of Concacaf Champions League than anything else, but that’s a discussion for another day. For now, the Timbers have to try and get a result against the Quakes, a team that exudes chaotic energy like few other clubs can. This match is bound to be a weird one.

Game Info

Location: PayPal Park | San Jose, CA

Kick-Off: 7 p.m. (PST)

TV: FOX 12 PLUS

Radio: 750 The Game

Starting Lineups

Portland Timbers:

San Jose Earthquakes: