With RSL in town will the momentum continue for the Portland Timbers

JULY 7, 2024 – PORTLAND, OR: Nashville SC at Portland Timbers on July 7, 2924 at Providence Park (Photo by Diego G Diaz).

(5) Portland Timbers (9,8,6, 33 points) vs (2) Real Salt Lake (12,3,7, 43 points)

Saturday, July 13, 2024 KO 7:25 PM PST/ 10:25 PM EST

Providence Park, Portland, Oregon

Portland Timbers Briefly

“Give Phil Neville a cigar, because he’s been turning heads, delivering wins, and silencing his critics since the start of his tenure. He’s somehow building a strong team and making them a force to be reckoned with.”

With a potential postseason in the works to commend this man’s work so far this season, who would have thought that Portland could be the site of such a turnaround, or even better, that he would be the one to turn this franchise around for the better?

As the man is delivering positive results thus far and who knows what else he has in store? It seems Inter Miami CF is now in the rearview mirror as we witness the way he’s guiding the Timbers to success this season.

One thing to note is the formidable presence of the local team, reminiscent of the old days when RSL was a force to be reckoned with. The Claret and Cobalt seem almost invincible, but the Timbers are playing strong on their home turf.

When the Rose City side plays at home, supported by its top-rated fans in all of Major League Soccer, every opposing team quakes at the prospect of facing our Green and Gold and the formidable support of their 12^th player.

Yes, Portland has an amazing fan base, which is why it’s known as Soccer City USA. This fan base is one-of-a-kind and cannot be equaled, despite being imitated.

With Neymar back and Jona scoring goals alongside Mora, and Santiago Moreno contributing with assists and occasional goals, this quartet has become one of the most productive in the entire MLS.

These Portland Timbers are looking good. When Antony and Nathan Fogaca are on the field, they cause nightmares for opposing defenses and defensive backfields.

It’s doubtful that they can be dominated at home by a team that hasn’t historically performed well at Providence Park. Overall, it looks like we’re in for a very contested game!

Photo Credit Real Salt Lake

 Real Salt Lake Briefly

Real Salt Lake is 12-3-7 with 43 points and is performing exceptionally well under the management of Pablo Mastroeni. The arrival of Chicho Arango has significantly boosted the team’s performance, making them strong contenders for the top position in the Western Conference.

With the team playing amazing soccer, every match is seen as a new challenge. Especially at Providence Park, with their new game and mindset, this team could become a formidable force.

“As manager, Mastroeni likes to play with a 4-2-3-1 formation. It has been a great success for him in 2024, making his team look unstoppable and establishing them as the team to beat due to their amazing and unique playing style.”

Somehow, I foresee a highly contested match this upcoming Saturday between these two powerhouse teams. The game promises to be filled with excitement and lots of action!

Meetings

08/30/2023 Portland Timbers 2-1 Real Salt Lake

05/17/2023 Real Salt Lake 0-0 Portland Timbers

05/10/2023 Portland Timbers 3-4 Real Salt Lake

Forecast:

It’s anticipated to be a challenging game, but with the home advantage, the Timbers can deliver!

JULY 7, 2024 – PORTLAND, OR: Nashville SC at Portland Timbers on July 7, 2924 at Providence Park (Photo by Diego G Diaz).