After giving up a late goal that resulted in a 1-1 draw at the LA Galaxy, the Portland Timbers return home for two crucial games against the Colorado Rapids and Houston Dynamo. First up is Colorado at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Providence Park (TV on Fox 12 Plus), with a heat wave expected to hit the Portland area this weekend.
The Oregonian/OregonLive has Three Points to watch for Timbers vs. Rapids:
1. SEASON ON THE LINE?
Portland sits second from the bottom in the Western Conference standings at 3-6-7 and with just 16 points. A loss on Saturday and a San Jose win would put them in last place and below one point per game. That is a place the defending conference champions can ill afford to be in and have said they will do everything possible to avoid.
Moreover, the Timbers have much harder games ahead on the schedule. After this pair of home games against two non-playoff teams in Colorado and Houston, the Timbers head out on the road to face Nashville and Seattle. Picking up four to six points at home would be crucial for the team in making up ground in the standings, as it could leave both of those difficult road contests with no points at all.
2. AN EYE ON THE FOOT
Left back Claudio Bravo played a key role in Portland’s solid play for most of the LA Galaxy match, but he may be on the mend again. Portland’s injury report lists Bravo as questionable due to a foot issue, and his absence would likely bring on rookie Justin Rasmussen to start in his place.
Portland’s defensive issues usually start on the edges, where they’ve missed Bravo for much of the season due to various injuries. His health on Saturday may determine which version of the Timbers’ defense fans see. That, of course, also depends on the play of right back Josecarlos Van Rankin and whoever starts at the center back spots.
On a positive note: Timbers coach Giovanni Savarese said the team’s leading scorer, Bill Tuiloma, is back from international duty and he’s expected to start vs. the Rapids.
3. A TOASTY ONE
It’s going to be hot in Portland this weekend. Anyone who’s checked the forecasts lately is keenly aware of how this might impact the first official weekend of summer, but it has implications for soccer as well. The Timbers can’t escape to Lincoln City for the weekend. They’re on a turf field in direct sunlight.
Thankfully, the Timbers-Rapids game doesn’t kick off until 7:30 p.m., when temperatures will have started to drop and the sun shouldn’t hit the field directly. But the high on Saturday is still 93 degrees, so fans should prepare with plenty of hydration, sunscreen and protective clothing. Players on the field will be thankful it isn’t a Sunday afternoon game, too. The predicted high on Sunday is 98 degrees.
Stay cool, Rose City.
— Ryan Clarke, rclarke@oregonian.com