Sporting Kansas City returns to MLS play on Saturday night with a match against the Portland Timbers. Pregame coverage begins 9:00 p.m. CT on 38 the Spot and SKCTV across the Midwest. To preview #PORvSKC, we spoke with Timbers beat writer for The Oregonian,
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Jonathon Feyerherm: What lineup can we expect to see from the Timbers in Saturday’s match?
Jamie Goldberg: Timbers coach Caleb Porter made a few lineup changes last week in Columbus and I think the lineup changes helped Portland's cohesion in the attack. I think after the success in Columbus, Porter will go with the exact same lineup. Here is my guess for the starting 11: Kwarasey; Powell, Ridgewell, Borchers, Villafana; Chara, Jewsbury, Valeri; Wallace, Nagbe, Adi.
JF: What’s been the cause of the Timbers recent home struggles?
JG: The offense. The Timbers had a poor performance in their last home game against New York, but have otherwise played well at home recently. The problem for the Timbers is their offense hasn't consistently produced. Portland has just 31 goals in 30 games, which is second worst in all of MLS.
JF: The two previous meetings between Sporting KC and Portland were 0-0 draws. What are you expecting to see in this match?
JG: I think there will be goals in this game. The Timbers desperately need three points in this game to stay above the red line and move up the standings. I expect Portland will come out attacking and pressing Kansas City as they look for a goal. There's obviously a lot on the line for Kansas City in this game as well, so I think both teams will definitely be up for the match and won't want to just sit back and play for the draw.
JF: What have Timbers coaches and players been saying about this match and how important is it for their playoff chances?
JG: The Timbers have consistently said that they have to treat every game from here on out as a playoff game and strive to get three points. The Timbers are well aware that this game could have serious playoff implications and they will be aiming to get nothing less than three points. The Timbers have also said it's crucial that they get wins in their home games with such a tight playoff race.
JF: Finally, any closing thoughts for Saturday's match?
JG: Porter said that he doesn't expect Kansas City playing on short rest to impact Saturday's game at all. He said the Timbers will approach the game like they would any other home game and will be focused on executing their game plan.
