Timbers MatchDay: vs. Chivas USA

Chivas USA at Timbers

Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Providence Park.

TV: KPDX 49, cable Ch. 13.

Radio: 750 AM.

Tickets: www.timbers.com

Timbers (0-2-3, 3 points): Four goals last weekend weren’t enough to get Portland its first win, as Seattle rallied for a 4-4 draw and intensified the spotlight on the Timbers troubled defense. Coach Caleb Porter is hoping the light bulb that came on for his attack last week clicks on for the defense this game. The return of goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts from a two-game suspension should help. In Ricketts’ absence, the Timbers were scored on eight times (though the first of those was a PK from the foul that got the keeper suspended).

Porter will likely stick with the attack that netted four goals against Seattle, in which case Argentine forward Gaston Fernandez will remain on the bench. The Timbers appear to be healthy, with only Steve Zakuani questionable because of a lingering injury.

Chivas USA (1-2-2, 5 points): Chivas USA has two losses and two ties since a season-opening win over Chicago, including a 3-0 loss to rival Los Angeles last game. Like Portland, Chivas has allowed a league-worst 10 goals through five matches. Former Timber Andrew Jean-Baptiste made his Chivas debut in last week’s loss to the Galaxy. Jean-Baptiste, a central defender in his two seasons with Portland, played left back last week. Two years ago, Chivas beat Portland three times. Last season the Timbers had two wins and a draw and outscored Chivas 9-1.

Follow Paul Danzer’s Timbers coverage on Twitter: @col_timbers