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Monday, March 18, 2024
March 18, 2024

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Timbers MatchDay: at Chicago Fire

By , Columbian Soccer, hockey and Community Sports Reporter
Published:

Timbers at Fire

Kickoff: 5:30 p.m. on Saturday at Toyota Park in Bridgeview, Ill.

TV/radio: KPDX 49 (13)/AM 750.

Records: Portland (4-6-3) is eighth in the Western Conference with 15 points from 13 games. Chicago (2-5-4) is 10th in the Eastern Conference with 10 points from 11 games.

Timbers notes: Portland (0-4-2) will look to win away from home for the first time this season. The Timbers have led in each of their last four road games, but came away with two 1-1 draws and two 2-1 losses. … Darlington Nagbe (USA) and Jermaine Taylor (Jamaica) are away for the Copa America Centenario tournament that kicks off next Friday and continues through June 26. With Taylor gone, it seems likely that Chris Klute will return to the lineup at left back. There is no clear choice to replace the dynamic Nagbe, who scored his first goal for the United States in a 1-0 win Wednesday over Ecuador. Dairon Asprilla could return on a wing opposite Lucas Melano, or perhaps Ned Grabavoy gets a run in midfield. … Unknown is the availability of striker Fanendo Adi (hamstring), who did not play in Sunday’s win over Vancouver. Starting for Adi against Vancouver, Jack McInerney played a strong match, earning a penalty kick and scoring in the 4-2 win.

Fire notes: Chicago has the fewest points in the league this season, but the Fire won at home last week — beating Houston at home in a match featuring the bottom club in each conference. Perhaps a bigger boost for the Fire will be the return of Designated Player David Accam. Because of injury and last week’s suspension, the Ghanaian has appeared in only four games this season. But he has two goals and one assist. … The Fire have been good defensively, posting four shutouts. Timbers coach Caleb Porter said Chicago has been tough for attackers to break down, and with Accam, Gilberto and Kennedy Igboananike (team-high four goals) presents trouble with its counter attack. Porter compared Chicago’s organization and speed-driven counter attack to that of the Whitecaps club Portland beat 4-2 last Sunday. …. Portland has not lost to Chicago in regular-season MLS play (4-0-2).

Viewing parties — The Timbers official viewing party, open to all ages, is at The Blue Room Bar, 8145 S.E 82nd Ave., in Portland. The Timbers Army Northern Alliance viewing party is at NW Liquid Gold, 11202 N.E. Fourth Plain in Vancouver.

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Columbian Soccer, hockey and Community Sports Reporter