MLS Week 20 Preview: Portland Timbers, Colorado Rapids Look to Continue Strong Form
Portland Timbers Eyeing Playoff Berth
The Portland Timbers will face the Colorado Rapids on Saturday, August 27th, at Providence Park in a crucial Western Conference matchup. The Timbers are currently sixth in the standings, just one point ahead of the seventh-place Vancouver Whitecaps. A win against the Rapids would give the Timbers a much-needed boost in their quest for a playoff berth.
The Timbers have been in good form lately, winning three of their last five games. They most recently defeated the Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 at home, with goals from Jaroslaw Niezgoda, Diego Valeri, and Dairon Asprilla. The Timbers have been particularly strong at home this season, losing just twice at Providence Park.
The Rapids are also in contention for a playoff spot, sitting ninth in the Western Conference standings. They are coming off a 1-0 loss to the LA Galaxy at home, which snapped a five-game unbeaten streak. The Rapids have been struggling on the road this season, winning just three of their 11 away games.
Colorado Rapids Aiming to Improve Road Form
The Colorado Rapids will be looking to improve their away form when they face the Portland Timbers on Saturday. The Rapids have won just three of their 11 away games this season, and they have not won on the road since July 9th.
The Rapids have been struggling to score goals on the road, averaging just 0.73 goals per game. They have also been conceding too many goals, averaging 1.55 goals per game. The Rapids will need to improve their attacking and defensive performances if they want to win on the road against the Timbers.
The Rapids will be without several key players for the match against the Timbers. Midfielder Jack Price is suspended, while defender Keegan Rosenberry and forward Gyasi Zardes are both injured. The Rapids will need to find a way to overcome these absences if they want to win.
Key Matchup: Jaroslaw Niezgoda vs. Lalas Abubakar
A key matchup in the game between the Portland Timbers and the Colorado Rapids will be the battle between Timbers forward Jaroslaw Niezgoda and Rapids defender Lalas Abubakar.
Niezgoda has been in excellent form this season, scoring 10 goals in 19 games. He is the Timbers' leading scorer and has been a key part of their success this season.
Abubakar is one of the best defenders in the MLS. He is strong in the air, good at tackling, and has a good sense of positioning. He will be a tough test for Niezgoda.
Prediction: Portland Timbers 2-1 Colorado Rapids
The Portland Timbers are in good form and they are playing at home, so they will be the favorites to win this game. The Rapids have been struggling on the road this season, so they will need to improve their performance if they want to win. I predict that the Timbers will win 2-1.
Conclusion
The match between the Portland Timbers and the Colorado Rapids is a crucial one for both teams. The Timbers are looking to continue their good form and secure a playoff berth, while the Rapids are looking to improve their away form and move up the Western Conference standings. It should be a close and exciting game.
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