Timbers at Columbus
Kickoff: 4:30 p.m. Saturday at MAPFRE Stadium.
TV / radio: KPDX 49/ AM 970.
Timbers notes: At 11-10-8, Portland enters the weekend one point ahead of San Jose and three points up on Houston and Real Salt Lake for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. The Timbers try to rebound from a disjointed performance in Sunday’s 2-0 loss to the New York Red Bulls. Portland is 4-8-2 on the road this season. The Timbers, playing only their third September match, have not won in their last four matches (0-2-2). Portland’s two previous visits to Columbus were both 1-0 losses. Top scorer Fanendo Adi (10 goals) has only registered two goals (one on a penalty kick) in his last 10 appearances, striking evidence of the Timbers inability to convert scoring chances. No one else on the team has more than three goals. Lucas Melano has only one goal in eight games with the Timbers. This is Portland’s final game against an Eastern Conference team, which means the Timbers are likely to be more proactive about attacking since they need a win and are not competing with Columbus for a playoff spot. The Timbers official viewing party is at Rose City Futsal, 5010 N.E. Oregon Street in Portland. All ages are welcome.
Crew notes: At 13-9-8, Columbus enters the weekend second in the Eastern Conference, one point behind the New York Red Bulls. The Crew have scored 49 goals this season — 20 more than the Timbers. But the Crew have allowed 49 goals — only Toronto FC plus expansion teams Orlando City and New York City FC have surrendered more goals this season. Columbus striker Kei Kamara leads the league with 21 goals in 29 appearances, 10 more than his previous career high. The 11th-year forward can set an MLS record by scoring against his 21st different MLS opponent if he converts against Portland. Columbus is 5-1-1 in its last seven matches, including a 2-1 road win over D.C. United last weekend. Uncertain because of injuries is the availability of left back Waylon Francis, striker Jack McInerney and center back Gast?n Sauro.
