Portland Timbers are on a roll in 2017. Can Columbus Crew SC stop their momentum in this 2015 MLS Finals rematch?
Columbus Crew SC struggled out of the gate this season with a 1-1 draw against Chicago Fire, and a 3-1 loss against Houston Dynamo; however, their Week 3 performance against DC United gave the Crew SC a 2-0 shutout on the road, and the first win of the season.
Portland Timbers started their season on a very different note absolutely dominating expansion club Minnesota United 5-1, before moving on to beat 5 time MLS Cup Champions LA Galaxy 1-0 in Week 2, and perhaps most impressively putting a halt to Houston Dynamo’s winning ways with a big 4-2 win last week.
The next chapter between the Eastern Conference Crew SC and the Western Conference Timbers is this Saturday, and here’s what to expect in this Week 4 showdown:
Columbus Crew SC
Week 3 was just what Columbus needed. The Crew went on the road and came home with 3 points that go a long way in building confidence. Gregg Berhalter seemed to finally realize that copy and paste game plans weren’t cutting it, and made some much needed formation changes that seemed to breathe a fresh breath of life into the Black & Gold.
Most noteworthy was the Columbus defense led by the MLS debut of Alex Crognale. Crognale absolutely dominated in his debut performance, earning himself the Acura Player of the Week, and was a major factor in the shutout. Also leaving RFK Stadium with some bragging rights was goalkeeper Zack Steffen who had 3 spectacular saves in the night.
If Columbus Crew SC’s defense can perform at the same caliber in Week 4, they’ll be a tough club to beat. With designated player Jonathan Mensah returning from his one-game red card suspension, the Black & Gold defense may be even more impressive against the Timbers.
Portland Timbers
Is there any club more impressive thus far than the Portland Timbers? (Spoiler Alert: No.)
Portland enter their Week 4 matchup at Mapfre Stadium 3-0-0, and folks, they’ve been making it look easy. With 10 goals in 3 matches (compared Columbus’s 4), the Timbers are an offensive powerhouse in the opening weeks of 2017.
Diego Valeri has been unstoppable in the midfield for the Timbers, and is being credited with leading the offensive assault that’s been coming out of Portland. Also impressive has been Timbers forward Fanendo Adi, who comes into Week 4 with 3 goals and one assist.
There may not be a single club in Major League Soccer equipped to deal with this Portland Timbers offense at this point in the season.
Prediction
Given another few weeks to continue to improve their defense, and Columbus Crew SC may be better equipped for this match; however, with Columbus just seeming to begin to find a formation that works for them defensively, the Portland offense isn’t one we believe they’re ready for quite yet.
Columbus Crew SC are going to want a win at home desperately, and taking down the club that spoiled their 2015 MLS Cup and seemed to begin this slump they’ve been in would be a huge morale boost. With that said, expect the Black & Gold to give this match all they’ve got.
The last 3 meetings between these 2 clubs have all ended with a 2-1 victory for the Portland Timbers, so let’s take the safe bet and say this Week 4 matchup will have the same result.
How to watch
Matchday: Saturday, March 25, 2017 7:30PM EST
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