Know Your Opponent | Portland Timbers

July 18, 2019 - Major League Soccer (MLS) - Orlando City SC News Release

The games keep coming! City is back to work Thursday night from the newly renovated Providence Park in Portland. This will be City's seventh game since June 26th. The Lions will be facing the Timbers who are coming off a 2-2 draw against the Colorado Rapids at home on Saturday. Here is what you need to know about the Timbers:

Recent Transfers

Portland parted ways with a few defensive pieces in the offseason. The Timbers traded Alvas Powell while the club and Liam Ridgewell mutually agreed to move on. Most recently, Portland and midfielder Lucas Melano mutually agreed to terminate his contract on Tuesday.

The big acquisition that Portland made not too long ago? Brian Fernandez. That signing has paid off immediately.

Who is Hot

Fernandez will be one to watch as he's been one of the hottest attackers in MLS since joining Portland. He now has six goals in seven games played (total of 502 minutes). And of course, we have to mention Diego Valeri. Portland's midfield creator has 10 assists and five goals to his name so far in 2019.

Recent Form

Portland had a slow start to their 2019 campaign but that could be attributed to their road-heavy schedule to start the season due to Providence Park's renovation. The Timbers played their first 12 matches on the road. Portland are now 3-1-1 at home since returning to action at Providence Park.

Head-to-Head

The Lions are 3-1-0 all-time against the Timbers and 1-1-0 at Providence Park. The Lions sport a +3 goal differential over the Timbers all-time.

Rasmussen College Fun Fact

Cyle Larin and Kaká scored in Portland back in 2015 to give City its second MLS away win.

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