Kickoff: 12:30 p.m. Sunday at Providence Park.
Tickets: Timbers.com. A few single seats remained Saturday afternoon.
TV: ESPN. Radio: 750 AM/102.9 FM.
Records: Timbers 2-3-3, 9 points, entered weekend eighth in the West; Toronto 3-2-2, 11 points, entered weekend third in the East.
Notable: There is no shortage of story lines for Toronto’s visit to Portland — the return of Will Johnson among them. But more significant for the Timbers will be the anticipated return of center back Liam Ridgewell after he missed seven games with a hamstring injury. Ridgewell’s return, plus that of Diego Valeri who was suspended for Wednesday’s 1-1 draw at New England, could help lift Portland despite the short turnaround between games. … This is the 90th MLS regular-season game in Portland. The Timbers are 48-17-30 at Providence Park. This season they are 2-1-1 at home, having outscored the visitors 8-7.
About Toronto: This is the final match in eight in a row on the road for Toronto to open the season while renovations are completed at BMO Field. It is only the third visit to Portland by Toronto, and the first since September of 2013 (4-0 Timbers win, their largest margin in MLS). … Sebastian Giovinco, Jozy Altidore and Michael Bradley are Toronto’s marquee names, but a commitment to defense gets the credit for Toronto’s strong start to the season. The offseason acquisitions of center back Drew Moor, right back Steven Beitashour and goalkeeper Clint Irwin, along with Johnson brought a veteran presence that has made the Reds tough to score upon. Toronto has allowed only five goals through seven games. Giovinco has six goals and two assists this season and has taken 37 shots. In 40 MLS matches since arriving last season, the Italian has 28 goals and 18 assists. … Toronto attacking midfielder Jonathan Osorio did not travel to Portland after hurting his ankle in training. Osorio has played in six games this season, starting five.
• Vancouver native Jeremy Hanson is slated to be the assistant referee opposite benches for this match.
