You want reasons to watch the Union face off with Portland Timbers? Ok: Diego Valeri versus the Union defense. That’s all. Let’s go watch soccer.
Don Diego
Last year Diego Valeri had 39 shots on goal and scored with 21 of them. He was the MLS MVP and it wasn’t even close. This season, under a new coach and a new system, and paired with a new starting striker, Valeri has hardly missed a beat. He is all but guaranteed to finish in double-digits in both goals and assists, and he’s one of the most difficult players to track in the entire league.
No matter who plays for the Union, understanding where Valeri is and where he wants to be is key to surviving a trip to Portland. The Argentine attacker has a knack for turning defensive pressure into an offensive opportunity but stepping to the ball carrier then drifting off behind him and holding that position until Portland wins the ball back. Then he’s gone.
Three straight road wins?
The Union last won four road matches in 2014. They already have three victories away from home this season, which puts them tied for the fifth most road wins in Major League Soccer. With six away matches still to come following Portland, the Union would be in a great position to make a run up the standings if they can continue to grab points on the road.
Break the streak
Portland is undefeated in 14 MLS matches, but they have had more defensive issues of late than they did early in that streak. Add in Sebastian Blanco’s suspension and Portland looking very iffy without him against Seattle this season and there is a real opening for the Union to add another three points to their basket. To snap the Timbers’ point-taking ways, the Union will likely need to score first. Portland has not won any of the five matches in which they have given up the first goal, but they are 9-1-2 when they get on the board before their opponents.
The Union and Timbers face off this Saturday at 11PM EST on PHL17.
