Can the Portland Timbers deliver against a streaking Columbus Crew?

(9) Portland Timbers (2,3,3, 9 points) vs (3) Columbus Crew (3,1,4, 13 points)

Saturday April 20, 2024 KO 4:30 PM PST

Lower Field, Columbus, Ohio

Portland Timbers Briefly

Another disappointing performance at home for the Portland Timbers against their bitter nemesis LAFC. However, by rescuing a point, the mood of the team looks somehow feisty and looking to deliver this time on the road against the defending champions Columbus Crew.

With an inspired Evander and for now Jonathan Rodriguez contributing with a near goal from Antony in the first half, this tells me that the Timbers are developing a plus in their attack as the need for the defense to step up is very essential!

Kamal Miller cannot do it alone and with Eric Miller on the bench, the need for someone to play a defensive game more aggressively is imperative for this team to succeed in the remainder of the season.

The way this team persists in any game is a plus as they don’t get down so easily as they put on a fight worthy of a team looking to deliver a win on the road or at home. I must say this a very positive attribute that this team is showing off.

This team has everything it needs to deliver one of a kind performances. As for manager Phil Neville, the need for wins is an absolute necessity for the Timbers if they are to make it into the postseason spots.

So far, I haven’t been convinced entirely of Araujo playing as a center back. I miss the likes of Bill Tuiloma. but the man is now playing for Charlotte FC. But in the end, the need of another top-notch center back is this team’s main requisite.

For now, Dario Zuparic should be the man getting the starting job instead of Zac McGraw. the Croatian is the ideal player to get the start and not be on the bench as he is the ultimate starter without any discussion.

A tough outing for the Rose City side on the road to play against the defending champions. A win will come handy as well drive the Timbers into an all-around force that can turn their season around and looking to close it on a high note.

Photo Credit Columbus Crew

Columbus Crew Briefly

Wilfred Nancy is looking forward to repeat with the Crew as every match is seen by the defending champions as vital and important if they are to repeat again in this 2024.

The Crew upset Liga MX side Tigres UANL in penalty kicks in their last meeting in the Concacaf Champions League and advancing into the semifinals. Still, they are to play another Mexican club Monterrey in leg one in Estadio Universitario, in Monterrey, Mexico, on April 24th.

Still, the Crew is coming very motivated and with a lot of drive to continue the defense of their title and looking forward to deliver to manager Nancy many more trophies as this team is playing good ball.

A sort of reunion between former Portland Timber Darlington Nagbe and his former team that could be the happening of an amazing match between these two. Can the Timbers deliver another win on the road?

Meetings

07/15/2023 Portland Timbers 3-2 Columbus Crew

09/18/2022 Columbus Crew 1-1 Portland Timbers

04/20/2019 Columbus Crew 1-3 Portland Timbers

Forecast

The Portland Timbers can make some needed noise with a win over a red-hot Crew

Timbers winger Anthony fights for possession with LAFC defender Ryan Hollingshead during the MLS regular season 2-2 tie between the Portland Timbers and LADX at Providence Park on April 13, 2024,(Photo by Diego G Diaz).