Back in a Portland Groove
The Portland Timbers will be looking to enact revenge against FC Dallas on Sunday evening, a team that thrashed them in Dallas, 5-0.
Luckily for Portland, the two teams will be meeting in the Rose City for a contest at the always boisterous JELD-WEN field.
Kickoff: August 5, 2012 7:00pm EST
Portland, Oregon – NBC Sports Network
Records
Por 5-12-4 (5-4-2 H)
Dal 5-11-7 (1-8-1 A)
Matchup
Kris Boyd will be crucial in getting Portland back in the win column.
As mentioned above, the Timbers would like to forget what happened the last time they faced FC Dallas. After an own goal in the 16th minute, the relentless heat of Dallas seemed to bog down the Timbers as they could not find a way to stop their opponents attack en route to surrendering four more goals.
Portland Timbers
Portland has seen their season implode in their past few contests. Despite all the struggles prior to their contest against FC Dallas two weeks ago, the Timbers were still in the thick of things in the Western Conference.
Since then, however, the Timbers have been unable to manufacture a win and have seen themselves drop to last place in the Western Conference while also being 14 points out of MLS playoff contention. During their struggles Portland has dropped five straight games and still has not manufactured a win on the road this year.
Their match last week against Chivas USA saw an improved squad lose at home. Though the final score was not in the Timbers’ favor, Portland played well throughout the entire match as they constantly put pressure on a sound Chivas defense.
FC Dallas
FC Dallas has had a disappointing season like the Timbers but find themselves three points ahead of Portland in the Western Conference with 22.
While the Timbers are starting to reel Dallas is starting to play much better. Although they did lose 1-0 to the Los Angeles Galaxy last week, FC Dallas has put together a string of impressive performances as they look to show signs of hope heading into the latter half of the season.
Matchup to Watch: Kris Boyd vs. FC Dallas Defense
When Kris Boyd gets going and plays well the entire Portland team plays well. Boyd has been nothing short of impressive this year and will likely contend for MLS newcomer of the year come the end of the season.
An electrifying player, Boyd knows how to score. Whenever Boyd scores the Timbers seem to either be in the game or actually winning it. While goals have been absent from the Timbers’ last few matches, Boyd will be looking to get back on track against a fairly stout FC Dallas defense.
Boyd will have to find a way to manufacture play by himself as many of his teammates’ play has been rather lackluster lately. Look for JELD-WEN to aid his efforts as the Timbers faithful have still continued to churn out for games despite the season Portland is having.
Can Portland finally end their winless streak and gain three crucial points in the Western Conference?
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About Chris Anderson
