Another tough test on the road for the Portland Timbers against RSL on the road

SEPTEMBER 18, 2024 – PORTLAND, OR: Timbers midfielder Santiago Moreno sends a Through ball during MLS Regular Season Los Angeles Galaxy at Portland Timbers by Diego G Diaz.

(8) Portland Timbers (12,10,7, 43 points) vs (2) Real Salt Lake (14,7,8, 50 points)

Saturday, September 21, 2024, KO 6:30 PM PST/ 9:30 PM EST

Rio Tinto Stadium, Sandy, Utah

Portland Timbers Briefly

Manager Phil Neville is delighted after his team secured a significant 4-2 home victory against the first-place LA Galaxy on Wednesday. The Rose City side faces another challenge as they gear up to play away.

After the record-setting performances by Evander, who delivered two assists, and Felipe Mora and Jonathan Rodriguez having an amazing game, all three scoring fourteen goals.

“This is the first time a team has three players competing for the league’s Golden Boot. Evander had a great day with a brace and was named player of the matchday. He is also being touted as a possible league MVP.”

So far, Evander is seen as the new talisman the Timbers needed after Diego Valeri’s retirement. The Carioca is giving his all in every game, and it’s evident in the way he plays and delivers on the field.

My conclusion is that if the Rose City team plays with heart, determination, and ambition, they can achieve wins both at home and on the road. Manager Neville should also put together a lineup that can effectively counter RSL’s counterattack.

It was a tough game on the road, but not difficult for these Portland Timbers. They can achieve a positive result away from home. Manager Neville has instilled a sense of security in the team when they play on the road.

Photo Credit Real Salt Lake

Real Salt Lake Briefly

Pablo Mastroeni is thrilled after his team delivered outstanding results and played with incredible determination, making it an amazing campaign for the man from Argentina.

The arrival of Chicho Arango at Rio Tinto Stadium has been a great success, with the team aiming to make a successful run in the league postseason.

Although the team initially struggled, they managed to bounce back with a win over FC Dallas at home. Anderson Julio scored twice, and Brayan Vera converted a penalty early in the match, securing a well-deserved victory.

Still, nothing has been won and the team will have a tough outing at home against a streaking and very offensive Portland Timbers. This is something that the Royals haven’t been too accurate in their game against the Rose City side.

A good match is expected, as well as the 4-2-3-1 formation implemented by Mastroeni, which can somehow stop the trio of Mora, Evander, and Rodriguez. In the end, as many state, defense wins games, and maybe the locals can play a decent match.

Meetings

07/13/2024 Portland Timbers 3-0 Real Salt Lake

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

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

Forecast

The Portland Timbers maybe can steal three points if they repeat their midweek performance

SEPTEMBER 18, 2024 – PORTLAND, OR: Timbers right wing back Juan Mosquera controls a ball in the attack during MLS Regular Season Los Angeles Galaxy at Portland Timbers by Diego G Diaz.