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MLS Portland Timbers

Timbers Weekly Update

March 29, 2018 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Portland Timbers News Release


PORTLAND, Ore. - The Portland Timbers will return to league play this weekend when the team travels to face the Chicago Fire at Toyota Park on Saturday, March 31. Beginning at 3 p.m. (Pacific), Saturday's match against the Fire will be broadcast live on FOX 12 Oregon (KPTV) with local radio broadcasts on 750 AM/102.9 FM The Game (English) and La GranD 1150 AM/93.5 FM (Spanish).

Recent form

Heading into Saturday's match, the Timbers are coming off a 1-1 away draw against FC Dallas at Toyota Stadium on March 24, with the team securing its first point on the road in 2018. Midfielder Sebastián Blanco scored the lone goal for the Timbers in the draw against FC Dallas, tallying his second goal of the season. Additionally, earning his first start with the club, defender Bill Tuiloma secured MLS Team of the Week honors for Week 4 after recording nine clearances, two ball recoveries and one interception in 90 minutes played.

Facing Chicago

Saturday's game against the Fire marks the ninth regular-season meeting between both clubs since Portland entered the league in 2011, with the Timbers currently riding an eight-game (4-0-4) unbeaten streak against the Fire during that span. While playing at Toyota Park, the Timbers have produced an unbeaten 1-0-2 record in three games played. In the only meeting between the two teams last season, Portland and Chicago battled to a 2-2 draw at Providence Park on July 5, with forward Fanendo Adi and Blanco each scoring in the draw for Portland.

Scoring away from home

Dating back to the start of the 2017 season, midfielder Diego Valeri ranks second in the league for goals scored away from home, with eight goals during that stretch. Additionally, with two goals in three away games to start the 2018 season, Blanco has also scored seven goals away from during that span, ranking tied for the third-most in the league. As a team, the Timbers have scored 24 goals on the road since the 2017 season, ranking as the sixth-most in MLS.

Extended road trip

Saturday's match against the Fire marks the fourth of five straight games on the road for the Timbers, as the club opens its eighth season in MLS. The Timbers' five-game road trip to start the 2018 season is due to the construction currently underway at Providence Park as part of phase one of the stadium expansion. During that stretch, the Timbers will travel roughly 20,000 miles, facing the LA Galaxy, New York Red Bulls, FC Dallas, Chicago Fire and Orlando City SC.

Scouting Chicago

Heading into Saturday's contest, the Fire have played two games in league play, before having a bye week this past weekend. In their previous two league games, Chicago fell to Sporting Kansas City 4-3 at Toyota Park on March 10, before suffering a 2-1 defeat at Minnesota United FC on March 17. Forward Nemanja Nikolic, who led the league in scoring (24) in 2017, currently leads the Fire in goals scored with two in his first two games played.

Road doubleheader

For the second time in club history, the Timbers and Portland Thorns FC will participate in a doubleheader this weekend. Last season, the two clubs participated in a doubleheader at Providence Park on April 15. Saturday's match is the first road doubleheader for the two teams as Thorns FC take on the Chicago Red Stars following the Timbers game against the Fire.

Next match

Following Saturday's game, the Timbers will travel to face Orlando City SC at Orlando City Stadium on Sunday, April 8. Beginning at 1 p.m. (Pacific), the April 8 match against Orlando City will be televised nationally on ESPN with local radio broadcasts on 750 AM/102.9 FM The Game (English) and La GranD 1150 AM/93.5 FM (Spanish).

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Major League Soccer Stories from March 29, 2018


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