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Portland Timbers vs. Sporting Kansas City: Preview and How to Watch

By Eric Harris

Mar 25, 2017; Columbus, OH, USA; Portland Timbers midfielder Diego Valeri (8) dribbles the ball in the first half of the match against the Columbus Crew SC at MAPFRE Stadium. the Columbus Crew SC beat Portland Timbers 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 25, 2017; Columbus, OH, USA; Portland Timbers midfielder Diego Valeri (8) dribbles the ball in the first half of the match against the Columbus Crew SC at MAPFRE Stadium. the Columbus Crew SC beat Portland Timbers 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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The two teams with two of the most impressive performances from last week meet up in Portland.

Both the Portland Timbers and Sporting Kansas City are coming off impressive 3-1 wins. The Timbers got theirs on the road against Philadelphia while SKC won at home against Colorado. Each team has had a strong start, but the argument could be made that they have benefited from easier schedules. This week that excuse is gone as they face off this Saturday.

Portland Timbers

Diego Valeri has been on NBA Jam levels of on fire to start the year. He’s one of two players in the league that is in the top-10 of goals, assists, and shots. Together he and Fanendo Adi have made their offense one of the most fearful in the league.

The defense has been another story. Without Liam Ridgewell, they have been letting in several goals, many of them have been avoidable as well.

Portland looked unstoppable in their first two home matches, but faltered in their last time out, getting a draw against New England. They will certainly have a big mountain to climb against Sporting.

Projected Starting XI

Sporting Kansas City

Sporting put in a comprehensive and cohesive offensive effort in against the Colorado Rapids. Dom Dwyer finally got on the scoresheet in 2017, and things look very positive for SKC.

Now comes the next test of doing it on the road, and doing it against top competition. Sporting has yet to score in their two matches on the road this season. On the other side of that, they also haven’t given up a goal on the road.

The backline has performed well but this will be their biggest test of the year against Portland. How those four do this weekend could tell us a lot about Sporting’s chances for the rest of the season.

Projected Starting XI

Prediction

Sporting Kansas City and the Portland Timbers have played in some wild games in the past. You won’t need to remind either fanbase about the double post in the penalty shootout in 2015. This match probably won’t hit that level of insanity, but still should be an up and down affair.

The tempo will be too high and the talent too good for Sporting to keep Portland off the scoresheet. To win Sporting will most likely need to get a couple of goals. Right now Benny Feilhaber is listed as questionable and could be a make or break for their chances.

With the game being in Portland, the Timbers should take the three points from this one, but not without some drama.

Next: Winningest MLS Franchises in League History

How to Watch

Saturday, 10:30 p.m. ET, MLS Live

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