No, it's not at the sparkling, newly-renovated Jelly before twenty thousand roaring fans, and no, it's not even lowly Chicago facing the boys in green, but rather the only team in the league currently below us in ESPN.com's power rankings. No, it doesn't count in the standings, and yes, there will be backups played in important places.
And, yes. Yes is this one of the most important matches of the Timbers young season.
Timbers will play their first MLS-side match in Portland in the U.S. Open Cup Tuesday at Merlo Field in north Portland. John Spencer has indicated that the starters will see the majority of the early minutes. His impromptu video interview with the Oregonian was likewise illustrative of the expectations for tomorrow's match. When asked what he expected from his side, "a win" was his immediate response. Only one other side in the league is as similarly homely as Chivas USA, and Timbers just gave up a two goal, shutout loss in Toronto. Look for Spencer to play some key players significant minutes with the goal of getting a slump-busting win.
Similarly, Robin Fraser will likely attempt to grab a solid opportunity for a victory by playing some of his better players. I'm looking for amateur mustache impressario Heath Pearce to receive a warm welcome on his first return to Portland since starring for the Pilots six years ago. I'll be cheering. He's not the kind of guy I feel like booing, unless he sticks a cleat through Kenny Cooper's leg.
Chivas employed a 4-5-1 in Sunday's demoralizing 0-1 loss to Colorado at the Home Depot Center. Because of international call-ups, I anticipate Tuesday's lineup to be similar: Zach Thornton looks to get the start because of the club's thinness at 'keeper, and Jimmy Conrad will anchor the defense. The Chivas USA back line will miss Zarek Valentin, Conrad's young partner in the middle, who is seeing time with the USA U20 team this week, and presents an excellent scoring opportunity for a struggling Timbers offense. Ben Zemanski scored two weeks ago after giving up an easy goal, and should be tested in the middle early and often. Justin Braun and Victor Estupinan should have plenty of scoring opportunities against Portland's sieve-like defense.
Bring on the US Open Cup and the Goats!
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