The Timbers looking for a turnaround against LAFC on the road
Timbers winger Anthony fights for possession with LAFC defender Ryan Hollingshead during the MLS regular season 2-2 tie between the Portland Timbers and LADX at Providence Park on April 13, 2024,(Photo by Diego G Diaz).
(11) Portland Timbers (2-3-4, 10 points) vs (7) LAFC (3-3-3, 12 points)
Saturday April 27, 2024 KO 7:30 PM PST/ 10:30 PM EST
BMO Field, Los Angeles, California
Portland Timbers Briefly
Somehow, this team has managed to come from behind and despite hitting first, still there’s a number of issues to overcome as well fix in its defensive game lacking the so-called finishing touch to maintain and preserve the lead.
The team struggles continue with a number of probables, including Dario Zuparic looking to leave the team, and the continuing struggles to find a companion for Kamal Miller in the center as other players haven’t been able to fulfill the role.
Offensively, the team has become a dynamo and with Felipe Mora scoring in every game. The Chilean has found good companions in Evander and Santiago Moreno. However, Jonathan Rodriguez has been struggling to adapt to the Neville system as he hasn’t been able to become the impact player everyone envisioned.
Despite his first goal in his first game, the Uruguayan has struggled to score or even become a menace to opposing keepers. At times, he looks very lost and without any indication of what’s his role in the starting eleven.
No losses for now, but draws don’t accumulate points as well not seeing a clean sheet in this season. But hopefully, the Timbers can get a clean sheet or two by the end of the season as well a number of wins to get the team into the postseason.
One tough challenge the Portland Timbers is going into BMO Field as they have to face one of the teams they have struggled against ever since their inception in Major League Soccer in 2015–LAFC.
For the defensive side of the Portland Timbers, they will have a tough time trying to contain the likes of Dennis Bouanga and the whole starting eleven of the Black and Gold loaded in every position with a number of talented players.
My conclusion is if the Timbers play with a lot of heart and with conviction, I foresee a positive result as the team has a lot of fight and no surrender despite the opposing teams scoring first and maybe can deliver a positive result if they become convinced of delivering with a win.
Photo Credit Los Angeles Football Club
LAFC Briefly
Don’t call this team a quitter after their display against the red-hot NY Red Bulls and scoring in the final minutes of stoppage time to share the spoils in BMO Field.
Manager Steve Cherundolo is the man with a mission to deliver another league shield to Tinsel Town as well looking forward to see a turnaround for his team despite missing his former captain, Carlos Vela.
However, who needs Vela when Denis Bouanga is getting the call and so far, he has become the team’s leading scorer and man of the hour by being the man of the match after scoring a brace against one of the most renovated defenses.
Still, the season is young and with a lot of challenge’s for the Black and Gold and if these are to make a successful run to the league shield, this team better be healthy and determined to deliver the ultimate of prizes.
Meetings
04/13/2024 Portland Timbers 2-2 LAFC
09/09/2023 Portland Timbers 2-0 LAFC
03/04/2023 LAFC 3-2 Portland Timbers
Forecast
A win in BMO Field will be immense for the Portland Timbers, can they deliver an upset?
Timbers forward Felipe Mora scores Portland’s first goal. (Photo by Diego G Diaz).