Portland Timbers and Colorado Rapids meet again: who will come out on top in the Leagues Cup?

What can we expect from the upcoming clash between Portland Timbers and Colorado Rapids in the League Cup? It promises to be a heated match, with both teams looking for a win in a competition that has already thrown up some surprises. The Timbers, who secured three points against Club León in their first match, go into the game with renewed confidence. Zac McGraw, who has been outstanding as a goalscorer, has been crucial with his set-piece goals. Will he shine again?

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On the other side, the Colorado Rapids have their challenges. Without Djordje Mihailovic, who is with the US Olympic team, coach Chris Armas needs to find new strategies. Mihailovic has been the team's star, with 19 goal contributions in the MLS. His absence is a gap that Cole Bassett is trying to fill. Bassett has been in fine form, with three goals and three assists in his last four games. Can he keep it up?

Armas is motivated and makes it clear: "The idea is that there's a trophy out there, we're excited to go after it." That determination is crucial, especially after the Rapids' poor performance in the last Leagues Cup, where they didn't manage a single win. But recent history between the teams gives the edge to the Timbers, who beat the Rapids 4-1 in the opening game of the MLS season.

Timbers coach Phil Neville may adopt a strategic approach, as his team is close to qualification depending on other results. In addition, this match marks Larrys Mabiala's last game for the Timbers. With over 152 games for the club, Mabiala is a living legend who should be given a fitting farewell. This adds an emotional element to the game that cannot be underestimated.

The Rapids' attack will be a challenge without Mihailovic, but Rafael Navarro and Bassett promise to give the Timbers' defense a hard time. Navarro, with 11 goals and 5 assists in the regular season, is a name to watch. The Rapids defense, led by Andreas Maxsø, has also been solid, and goalkeeper Zack Steffen has been a wall with 85 saves so far. Will that be enough to hold off the Timbers' powerful attack?

The Timbers, known for their decisive late goals, have a special talent for turning the game around in the last few minutes. Zac McGraw scored the winning goal in the 90th minute against Club León, and this is part of a trend: six goals scored in the last minute or later by 2024. Evander, with 15 assists this season, continues to be a key cog in the Timbers' midfield. He leads the club in goal contributions in the Leagues Cup with four, including two goals and two assists.

The recent history between the teams favors the Timbers. In the last four meetings, the Timbers are undefeated, with three wins and a draw, and a goal differential of +7. That's a statistic that certainly weighs on the players' morale.

For the Rapids, the mission is clear: replicate their recent MLS form in the Leagues Cup. The team is currently in playoff position, a significant improvement since their opening loss to the Timbers. The recent victory over Real Salt Lake to take the 2024 Rocky Mountain Cup also provides a morale boost. Jonathan Lewis, Sam Vines and Cole Bassett were the heroes of that game, with Bassett scoring the winning goal in the final moments. That decisiveness at the end could be the difference.

Portland Timbers and Colorado Rapids have their weapons and strategies. Thursday's game promises to be exciting, with both teams fighting for supremacy in the League Cup. The Timbers have the advantage of history and renewed confidence, while the Rapids are looking to overcome their limitations and shine without their main star.