Portland Timbers at Columbus Crew: How to Watch, Previews, Match Chat [4:30]

The Portland Timbers are looking for redemption after their 2-0 loss to the New York Red Bulls last week, but more importantly they are looking for points to stay above the red line and in playoff contention. An Eastern Conference road trip is generally not where you want to be looking for all three points, but against the Columbus Crew today that is exactly what the Timbers will need.

Previews

Match Preview: "Matched up against a Crew side that likes to play attacking, possession-based football, it would not be surprising to see the Timbers go with a look similar to what we saw against Kansas City. Putting Adi up top with Valeri behind him and Lucas Melano out wide gives the Timbers a group that is capable of breaking quickly down the pitch and potentially pouring on the chances. While the Timbers were not able to find the break through against Sporting, facing a much more fragile Columbus back line could finally see that attacking group pay dividends."

Preview Interview: "In head coach Gregg Berhalter's system, Kamara is the point man in an attack that creates a lot of opportunities. Because he's been healthy the whole season, Kamara has been the benefactor of these chances and made the most of them. Could he have done this throughout his career if circumstances had been different? There's no way to tell, but he's proving a point right now."

Match Information

Watch it on: KPDX

Kickoff: 4:30 p.m. PT at MAPFRE Stadium in Columbus, OH

Portland Timbers: 11-10-8, 6th place in the Western Conference, WDLDL

Columbus Crew: 13-9-8, 2nd place in the Eastern Conference, WWLWW