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Portland Timbers: 5 must-watch matches in 2020 Season

ByHilario Muniz|
PORTLAND, OR - OCTOBER 06: Portland Timbers players, Sebastián Blanco (10), Larrys Mabiala (33), and Dairon Asprilla (27), lift their slab trophies during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and the Portland Timbers on October 06, 2019, at Providence Park in Portland, OR. (Photo by Diego Diaz/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images).
PORTLAND, OR - OCTOBER 06: Portland Timbers players, Sebastián Blanco (10), Larrys Mabiala (33), and Dairon Asprilla (27), lift their slab trophies during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and the Portland Timbers on October 06, 2019, at Providence Park in Portland, OR. (Photo by Diego Diaz/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images).
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Portland Timbers
PORTLAND, OR – OCTOBER 06: Portland Timbers players, Sebastián Blanco (10), Larrys Mabiala (33), and Dairon Asprilla (27), lift their slab trophies during the MLS match between the San Jose Earthquakes and the Portland Timbers on October 06, 2019, at Providence Park in Portland, OR. (Photo by Diego Diaz/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images).

The SuperDraft is complete and there is still one DP spot open, but with the season on the horizon, we focus on the top five must-watch matches to watch in 2020 for the Portland Timbers.

The upcoming 2020 season in MLS is sure to be an exciting one with two expansion clubs beginning play, others being announced, soccer-specific stadiums springing up around the country and record-breaking transfer fees around the league.

Portland Timbers fans have a lot to be excited about this season too as the club begins their first full season of play in the newly renovated Providence Park. The renovation added 4,000 seats to the stadium’s east side along with upgrades to the sound system, lighting, south end video board and new roof. This kept the Timbers away from home during the majority of the first half of 2019, which consisted of 12 games on the road. But now this renovation is complete, the Portland Timbers return home for a full season of matches in a year in which they have genuine MLS Cup hopes.

And so, with their home now redecorated and the squad rounding out, we look forward to the 2020 season and some important matches to pay attention to, in chronological order.

Atlanta United
ATLANTA, GA DECEMBER 08: Game attendance is announced on the overheard video board during the MLS Cup between the Portland Timbers and Atlanta United FC on December 8th, 2018 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Atlanta United Vs Portland Timbers

Mercedes-Benz Stadium; Sunday, April 19th; 3:00 PM

Since Atlanta United’s first season in MLS back in 2017, the Portland Timbers have struggled against the newfound juggernaut of the East. Through only four matches, Portland has found who may be considered their interconference rival in the Five Stripes.

The obvious match that comes to mind is the 2018 MLS Cup final, a 2-0 loss inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium over two years ago which ended a Cinderella-like run for the Timbers through the Western Conference playoffs.

Atlanta United has never lost to Portland, posting a 0-2-2 record against the Timbers including a 2-0 victory at Providence Park this past August. A win here would be big for a team that is trying to prove they are a genuine member of the elite. What better way than to start with a victory over perhaps the most talented team in MLS?

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