Chivas USA vs. Portland Timbers: 10 Bold Predictions
Apr 12, 2014; Portland, OR, USA; Chivas USA forward Erick Torres signals to his teammates as Portland Timbers forward/midfielder Darlington Nagbe (6) looks on during the second half of the game at Providence Park. The game ended in a 1-1 draw. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports
With a record of 2-3-7 (13 points), Caleb Porter’s Portland Timbers find themselves in eighth place in the deep MLS Western Conference. Tonight, the mystique of Porterball goes up against the alleged pariah of Major League Soccer, that team in transition known, for now, as Wilmer Cabrera’s Chivas USA. The Goats are 2-5-4 (10 points) and own the second-worst record in Major League Soccer and will need a big victory in what appears to be a glorified pillow fight at StubHub Center in Carson, Calif.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. PT/10:30 p.m. ET and will be televised by MLS LIVE. Here are 10 Bold Predictions for tonight’s match between Chivas USA and the Portland Timbers.
1. Erick Torres will score
Chivas USA will score in this match, and there is one person that knows this better than anyone out there. Erick Torres has eight goals this season and is the best clinical finisher that Chivas has. Torres scores in the first half.
2. Dan Kennedy with at least five saves
This season, Dan Kennedy has 26 saves to his credit, and against a Portland Timbers side itching to get back in the race, Kennedy will record at least five saves on the night.
3. No goals for Marky Delgado
Marco Delgado is among a handful of Goats that have scored this season, but unfortunately, he will not be on the dot to help Chivas USA in this game. There will be no goals for Delgado tonight.
4. Brace for Maxi Urruti
On the other hand, Maxi Urruti will be feasting on the chance to pour more salt into Chivas USA’s wounds. Urruti currently has five goals and will be on goal to help Portland with a brace.
5. It’s Darlington Nagbe time!
This season, Darlington Nagbe has two assists, and he will record an assist on Wednesday night against Chivas USA. Nagbe will need to stay onsides to make the most of this prediction, however.
6. Diego Valeri with two goals and an assist
Diego Valeri has two goals and three assists this season, and against Chivas USA, Valeri will record two goals and an assist to spark the Timbers.
7. No goals or assists for Steve Zakuani
Steve Zakuani, a former Seattle Sounder, has two assists this season for Portland, but he will not be on the scoresheet. The MLS Multiplex is boldly predicting no goals or assists for Zakuani.
8. Under five saves from Donovan Ricketts
The Big Cat from Montego Bay, Donovan Ricketts, had 32 saves this season to his credit in league play. But this will be a quiet performance for Ricketts, who will make under five saves on the night.
9. Under 40 fouls and four cards
Expect a fast a fluid match that is easy on the fouls and cards, although the fouls whistled and cards awarded are 100% at the discretion of the man in the middle. The said man in the middle will whistled under 40 fouls and dish out under four cards.
10. Portland breaks out chainsaw over Chivas
In short, this will be an easy match for Portland, who need every point they can get. Watch for the Timbers to dominate for the majority of this match. Timbers to win.
Portland Timbers 4, Chivas USA 1