Portlandia: Union Need the Three Points at Home Against the Timbers

Share

The Union, looking to snap a seven game winless streak, host the
expansion Portland Timbers at PPL Park tonight (7:30PM/The Comcast
Network).

The Union look to build on the moment of their
thrilling 4-4 tie against New England on Wednesday night. After falling
behind 4-1 the U rallied to earn a much needed point. Sebastien Le Toux
notched a brace en route to leading the Union back from the dead. A home
loss to the Eastern Conference cellar dwelling Revolution would have
been devastating.

Can they build on the momentum they created
Wednesday night? If so, they'll need to rediscover how to defend
set-pieces. The back four has been exposed in consecutive weeks on
dead-ball situations. Zack MacMath, who looked shellshocked in the first
half against New England, needs all of the defensive help he can get.
Leaving opponents open for free headers and not marking guys on the far
post is unacceptable. This is particularly true with a rookie netminder. 

On the flip-side, the offensive explosion was
encouraging. Freddy Adu opened his Union account thanks to a nice feed
from Danny Mwanga. it'd be phenomenal if those two guys could develop
some sort of chemistry. Along with Roger Torres they are two of the more
creative Union players.

Coming off of the midweek game this is a tough task
If the Union hope to snap the winless streak they'll need to tighten
things up in the back. Conceding four goals again is not an option. 

Lineup I'd like to see tonight: MacMath, Sheanon
Williams, Danny Califf, Carlos Valdes, Gabe Farfan, Freddy Adu, Brian
Carroll, Roger Torres, Justin Mapp, Sebastien Le Toux, Veljko Paunovic
Final Score Prediction: The Union carry the momentum from Wednesday and earn the three points with a 2-1 win.
The Toni Stahl Memorial Player Most Likely To See Red: Why not go with MacMath for a takedown in the box?

Contact Us