Preview: Portland Timbers vs. http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Philadelphia-Union-c40231 (Major League Soccer—week 8)
New-to-MLS (Major League Soccer) side, Portland Timbers, host Philadelphia Union, who are in their second season of the league, on Friday, May 4, at Jeld-Wen Field.
The home team came to their inaugural MLS season on the back of a promising preseason, however, the regular term proved to be more demanding. The team managed to thrash teams such as http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Seattle-Sounders-FC-c40474 in the Cascadian Summit and did not lose a single match in the entire preseason but the regular season has proved more physical and demanding.
That being said, the Timbers are enjoying a great streak at their home ground; they are on a three-game unbeaten run despite playing Real Salt Lake in the latest stretch. In the upcoming game, the team hosts Philadelphia Union, who have been unpredictable in the ongoing season.
The Union’s lone defeat of the season thus far came against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Orlando-c28664 City. The regular term has witnessed the good run of form continue; third placed finishers of 2010 MLS season occupy second spot in the Eastern Conference.
Portland Timbers
The timbers' away record is in complete contrast to their home form. The team has not won a single match on the road while they are undefeated in Rose City. The last match, against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Real-Salt-Lake-c40339, ended in their favour as they ruled the entire 90 minutes.
Kenny Cooper remains the top goal-poacher for the team with three goals in seven matches. The player has started all the fixtures thus far for the team and is expected to be featuring from the kick-off in this encoutner as well. He remains a guaranteed presence in John Spencer’s pecking list.
Skipper Jack Jewsbury in the midfield has been a true playmaker and his presence has been decisive at the home turf. Kalif Alhassan tops the assist table with four assists, while Mamadou Danso and http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Chris-c9006 Taylor remain excellent in the heart of the defence.
Injury Report
Bright d**e (Achilles rupture), http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Peter-Lowry-c29779 (knee MCL strain) are all out for this clash with injuries.
Philadelphia Union
The Zolos have played two away matches and contrasting results were achieved. The team thrashed http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Houston-Dynamo-c39542 at Robertson Stadium while LA Galaxy edged them 1-0 in the other fixture.
With this mix of results, the odds can go either way in the Friday’s tie. However, the Philly Union remain a team to beat; in spite of their relative inexperience, they have a better defence when compared to teams such as http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Toronto-FC-c40744 and Sporting Kansas City, who have conceded 13 goals each.
Injury Report
Thorne Holder (concussion), Gabriel Farfan (toe dislocation), http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Keon-Daniel-c20663 (foot contusion) are all sidelined for this encounter.
Probable Line-ups
Following are the respective probable line-ups for John Spencer and Peter Nowak.
Portland TimbersXI
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Jorge-Perlaza-c19205
Philadelphia Union XI
Faryd Mondragon, Danny Califf, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Justin-Mapp-c20150, Carlos Ruiz, Sebastien Le Toux
Prediction
The Union have a strong chance of breaking the timbers’ impressive home run. The expected result is 2-0 in the visitors’ favour.
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