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Portland Timbers vs. FC Dallas: Preview and How to Watch

By Scott Behler

May 28, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; A general view of the setting sun during the second half of the game between FC Dallas and the Houston Dynamo at Toyota Stadium. The match ends in a 0-0 draw. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
May 28, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; A general view of the setting sun during the second half of the game between FC Dallas and the Houston Dynamo at Toyota Stadium. The match ends in a 0-0 draw. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Portland takes on Dallas at Providence Park tonight, before leaving on a three game road trip.

Portland Timbers

Timbers forward Fanendo Adi (right) will hope to add to his 6 goal tally against the Earthquakes.
Timbers forward Fanendo Adi (right) will hope to add to his 6 goal tally against the Earthquakes. /
  • Current Record (W-D-L): 6-3-5
  • Last Time Out: 3-0 Win vs San Jose Earthquakes

    • Player to Watch For:

    Diego Valeri has shown time and again that he’s the man to step up when needed. While he was sluggish in the weeks returning from injury, “Troesma”

    looked back to himself with a brace against the earthquakes last week.

  • Why They Win: The Timbers have been largely solid at home and have finally snapped their winless streak against San Jose last week. While it took a little bit of luck thanks to a debatable second yellow, the Timbers will now look to build on their first truly good result since their draw against FC Dallas in Frisco.
  • Why They Won’t: Portland have not been nearly as convincing as of late as they were at the beginning of the year. While they did manage to beat San Jose last week, the physical absence of starters and the mental absence of those that have replaced them have seen the Timbers slip from top of the pile to near the middle of the pack.
  • Predicted XI:

    • FC Dallas

    Jun 3, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; FC Dallas forward Roland Lamah (20) celebrates scoring his first goal with his teammates in the first half against the Real Salt Lake at Toyota Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
    Jun 3, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; FC Dallas forward Roland Lamah (20) celebrates scoring his first goal with his teammates in the first half against the Real Salt Lake at Toyota Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /
    • Current Record (W-D-L): 6-5-2
    • Last Time Out: 6-2 Win vs Real Salt Lake
    • Player to Watch For: Objectively, he probably won’t have a whole lot of impact, as he’s not expected to start, but Mauro Diaz may make a cameo from the bench for the first time since October 19 of last year. While Dallas have been able to cover for Diaz’s absence, there’s no doubting that he’s one of the best players in the league and very important to his side.
    • Why They Win: Dallas may have hit a rough patch, but they are still one of the better teams in the league. Dallas have also shown that they are very competent on the road. With 2 wins, 5 draws, and only a single loss away from home, they’ve shown this year they can get results anywhere in MLS.
    • Why They Don’t: Dallas will be without three of their four starting defenders due to a combination of international duty and injuries. While absences are problematic for all teams during this stretch, any team that has more than more than half of their back line out is a huge loss.
    • Predicted XI:

    Score Prediction:

    How to Watch:

    Where: Providence Park in Portland, Oregon

    When: June 10, 2017 — 10:30 PM (Eastern)

    Channel: MLS Live

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