Sporting Kansas City opens their MLS Cup Playoffs campaign on Thursday night with a Knockount Round clash at the Portland Timbers. Pregame coverage begins 8:30 p.m. CT on 38 the Spot with national coverage starting at 9 p.m. CT on UniMas. To preview #PORvSKC, we caught up with Timbers beat writer for The Oregonian, Jamie Goldberg.
Jonathon Feyerherm: Are there any injury concerns for Portland heading into this match and do you expect to see any changes from Sunday’s lineup?
Jamie Goldberg: Diego Chara left Sunday's game in the second half with an apparent leg injury and Timbers coach Caleb Porter could not give the media an update on his status for Thursday's game. Whether Chara can play could have an impact on the formation that the Timbers use against Kansas City. Timbers midfielders Jack Jewsbury and Will Johnson have both been recovering from injuries and were healthy enough to be on the bench Sunday, but it's unclear if either of them will be healthy enough to go a full 90 minutes.
JF: What did you take away from the two previous meetings this season between these sides at Providence Park (0-0 draw and 1-0 SKC win)?
JG: In both games, the Timbers had plenty of chances, but failed to capitalize on their opportunities. In the second outing, Kansas City made the most of a chance to earn the win. I think these are two evenly matched teams, but the Timbers have been much better on offense in the last two games, which could change the dynamics of the matchup this time around.
JF: What’s been the key for the Timbers recent good form (3 straight wins)
JG: The offense is finally turning its chances into goals. The Timbers have been near the top of the league in shots for much of the year, but haven't been able to turn those chances into goals. That changed in the last three games. Fanendo Adi is playing his best soccer at the moment and is leading the offense, while Darlington Nagbe is finally finding his goal scoring touch. The Timbers are playing with confidence in the final third.
JF: What are you expecting to see from this match?
JG: I'm expecting this to be a tough and physical match. I think the Timbers will look to dictate the game at home, but both teams are pretty evenly matched and it will be a difficult game that is likely won by a one-goal margin.
JF: Which players will be important for the Timbers in Thursday’s match against Sporting KC?
JG: Darlington Nagbe, Diego Valeri and Fanendo Adi will be key for the Timbers Thursday. Nagbe has been a really important weapon in the attack for Portland over the last three games and has started to score goals, which has only made him more dangerous. Adi closed out the season with six goals in his final five games and looks like he's playing his best soccer at the moment. Valeri will be well-rested after missing Sunday's game due to yellow card accumulation and is a critical piece in Portland's attack.
JF: How do you see Sporting KC’s attack (Dwyer, Nemeth, Zusi, Feilhaber) matching up against Portland’s defense?
JG: The Timbers have actually done quite well at defending against Sporting Kansas City's offense this year. Outside of Nemeth's amazing run and goal against the Timbers in October, Portland has otherwise held Sporting Kansas City scoreless over three games this year. Kansas City has a lot of offensive weapons and they will certainly challenge the Timbers, but Portland has proved that it can be one of the top defensive teams in MLS when its at its best.
