It’s five weeks into the 2014 MLS season and the Portland Timbers offense is just starting to click. This couldn’t come at any better time. Chivas USA currently sits two points above the Portland Timbers. Despite that, Caleb Porter’s group found nothing but success against the Goats in 2013, tallying nine goals for two wins and a draw. History and Portland’s four goal meeting with Seattle put the Timbers in prime position to earn their first win of the season.
Last week, the Portland Timbers found success on the wing which translated into four goals by three players who had yet to score on the season. Diego Chara, Diego Valeri, and Maxi Urruti each scored (Chara twice) thanks, at least in part, to Kalif Alhassan. Caleb Porter elected to start Kalif over Gaston Fernandez and it worked brilliantly. The Timbers found more space than any previous game and showed off the same brilliant attack that won the West in 2013.
Will Kalif start for a second straight game? I hope so, he deserves it. I think the same lineup, save perhaps Alvas Powell and Andrew Weber, will play Saturday evening. Getting four goals out of an offense can’t just be ignored, especially when the next opponent has given up ten goals in five games. The Timbers should be looking to replicate last week’s success, even if it means giving up a goal to Erick Torres. Chivas can’t lead a comeback like Dempsey.
Despite continued Twitter criticism, Norberto Paparatto will likely make the starting eleven. He should against Chivas. They’re a team that has started well, but one that should be held scoreless by Portland. If Papa can’t keep things under control this week I wouldn’t be surprised if The Great Wall of Gambia makes an appearance in Salt Lake.
Erick “Cubo” Torres is Chivas USA’s main threat. The 21-year-old on loan from Chivas de Guadalajara has scored four times this season; netting one goal in each of the first four matches. Bobby Burling and Thomas McNamara each have a single goal to round out scorers for the Goats. Burling may be out, Portland can relax (somewhat) on free kicks if that’s the case.
Starting Lineups:
Portland Timbers: Donovan Ricketts; Michael Harrington, Norberto Paparatto, Pa Modou Kah, Jack Jewsbury; Will Johnson, Diego Valeri, Diego Chara; Darlington Nagbe, Maximiliano Urruti, Kalif Alhassan
Chivas USA: Dan Kennedy; Andrew Jean-Baptiste, Carlos Bocanegra, Eriq Zavaleta, Eric Avila; Thomas McNamara, Agustin Pelletieri, Carlos Alvarez, Mauro Rosales; Erik Torres, Luke Moore
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