Enemy Scouting Report - Portland Timbers
(image via Portland Timbers)
The Houston Dynamo are returning to league play after exiting the Leagues Cup in the Round of 16 against Charlotte FC nearly two weeks ago. Ben Olsen’s team has been on a break and now are entering the final stretch of the season, starting with a visit from the Portland Timbers, in their hunt for a playoff berth.
The Portland Timbers are currently sitting in 12th place in the Western Conference with 26 points. Their season started out tough for the first 10 weeks of the season. However, Giovanni Savarese has brought balance to the team while still underperforming. Portland knows that being at the bottom of the table is not their expectation. Injuries to Sebastian Blanco, Yimmi Chara and even Evander have been detrimental to the Timbers in 2023.
Here are some of the players that the Dynamo will need to contain if they want to get all three points at home and give the Timbers Hell in the Shell. Let’s start with Franck Boli. The Ivory Coast international was signed by Portland earlier this season. Boli has scored 6 goals in 20 appearances for the Timbers across all competitions, leading the team in that category. Evander is another attacking player that Houston will need to keep a close eye on this Sunday. The Brazilian is a creative player, that on a good day, can cause a lot of headaches to the opposition. However, Evander has still to meet the high expectations for why Portland spent so much money to make him one of their Designated Players. Lastly, Dairon Asprilla will be another dangerous player that will always keep defenders on their toes. Asprilla is a club legend who can score some out of this world goals. Whether by his speed or athleticism to win the ball in the air, Houston will need to keep Dairon as far away as possible from Steve Clark’s goal.
Portland Timbers Season Record: 6W-9L-8D
Results in the last 30 days:
July 12 – Colorado Rapids 0-0 Portland Timbers
July 15 – Portland Timbers 3-2 Columbus Crew
July 22 – Portland Timbers 2-0 San Jose Earthquakes (Leagues Cup)
July 26 – Tigres UANL 2-1 Portland Timbers (Leagues Cup)
August 4 – Monterrey 1-0 Portland Timbers (Leagues Cup)
Past Match Staring XI (from mlssoccer.com)
There will likely be some variation but look to see many of the players in the graphic starting.
2023 Active Roster
Goalkeepers: David Bingham, Hunter Sulte, Aljaz Ivacic
Defenders: Miguel Araujo, Claudio Bravo, Dario Zuparic, Justin Rasmussen, Eric Miller, Zac McGraw, Juan David Mosquera, Larrys Mabiala
Midfielders: Sebastian Blanco, Eryk Williamson, Evander, Diego Chara, Cristhian Paredes, David Ayala, Santiago Moreno, Marvin Loria, Noel Caliskan, Bryan Acosta
Forwards: Franck Boli, Felipe Mora, Jaroslaw Niezgoda, Diego Gutierrez, Tega Ikoba, Yimmi Chara, Dairon Asprilla, Nathan Fogaca, Antony
Will Houston start the playoff push with a win at home against the Timbers?
