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MLS Portland Timbers

Timbers Weekly Update

April 12, 2018 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Portland Timbers News Release


PORTLAND, Ore. - After completing a five-game road swing to start the 2018 MLS season, the Portland Timbers will return to Providence Park for their 2018 home opener this weekend, presented by Widmer Brothers Green & Gold Kolsch, when the team plays host to Minnesota United FC on Saturday, April 14. Beginning at 7:30 p.m. (Pacific), Saturday's match 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).

Facing Minnesota United

Saturday's match signifies the third league meeting between Portland (0-3-2, 2pts) and Minnesota United since United FC joined the league as an expansion club in the 2017 season. In the previous two matches, both teams split the results, winning each of their home games in the 2017 campaign. In the only meeting between the two teams at Providence Park - Portland's 2017 home opener - the Timbers recorded a strong 5-1 win over United FC in its first MLS match as an expansion club in 2017. Midfielder Diego Valeri and forward Fanendo Adi each recorded a brace in the win, while midfielder Lawrence Olum also scored his first MLS goal with the Timbers.

Home form

Despite playing their first five games of the 2018 campaign away from home, the Timbers still maintain one of the strongest home records in the league since the start of the 2016 season. During that stretch, Portland has recorded 23 wins (23-5-6) at home, ranking tied for the second-most home wins in the league in the last three seasons. Additionally, the Timbers enter Saturday's contest after ending the 2017 season with six consecutive home wins. Overall, Portland's record for consecutive home wins is seven, occurring between Aug.7, 2016-March 18, 2017.

Scoring at home

Since the start of the 2016 season, the Timbers are tied for the second-most goals (73) at home in MLS, ranking only behind Toronto FC and New York City FC (76). Additionally, Portland has scored in 21 straight home games, dating back to the 2016 campaign, marking the first time in club history across all eras (since 1975) that the Timbers have scored in 21 or more consecutive home games. Additionally, midfielder Diego Valeri ranks fourth in the league for goals (22) scored at home during that stretch.

Scouting Minnesota United

Led by head coach Adrian Heath, Minnesota United (2-3-0, 6pts) enters Saturday's contest after a bye weekend in league play. Prior to its break in regular-season action, United FC lost its previous two league games, falling 1-0 to Atlanta United FC on March 31 and 3-0 to the New York Red Bulls on March 24 after winning two straight games prior to those results. The team's two wins this season occurred in back-to-back 2-1 victories against Orlando City SC on March 10 and the Chicago Fire on March 17. Despite losing one of its key attacking pieces for the season when midfielder Kevin Molino suffered an ACL injury in the win against Orlando City SC, the club has recently bolstered its roster with the acquisition of dynamic attacking players such as Darwin Quintero and Alexi Gomez.

Next match

Following Saturday's match, the Timbers will play a second straight game at home when the team plays host to New York City FC at Providence Park on Sunday, April 22. Beginning at 3 p.m. (Pacific), the April 22 contest will be televised nationally on FS1 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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