The Portland Timbers square off against AC St. Louis on the road tonight at 5:10 p.m. (Pacific). Listen to a live broadcast on Sportsradio 95.5 The Game or watch a live video webcast. In-game updates are available via Twitter.
Click here for tonight's match notes.
Tonight's starters:
POR: GK Cronin, D Cameron, D Smith, D Futty, D Purdy, M Pore, M Marcelin, M Savage, M Nimo, F Dike, F Muhamadu
STL: GK Dufty, D Trayno, D Lesko, D Bauer, D Bloom, M Kreamalmeyer, M Cosgriff, M Velten, M Salvaggione, F Kafedzic, F Ambersley
Match Preview:
The Portland Timbers end a two-game week with a road match against AC St. Louis tonight at Anheuser-Busch Soccer Park. The Timbers and AC St. Louis meet for the second time in less than three weeks - the two sides meet 18 days ago on July 28 in St. Louis.
Tonight's contest is Portland's fifth road match in the last six games. The Timbers played their first regular-season home match at PGE Park since July 10 on Wednesday, battling the NSC Minnesota Stars to a 2-2 draw. The Timbers finish the regular season with six of their final nine fixtures on the road.
Starting with the 3-0 loss to AC St. Louis in late July, the Timbers are on a four-game winless stretch (0-2-2). Over the past four games, the Timbers have allowed eight goals and been shut out twice. Despite the recent run, the team still ranks among the USSF Division-2 Pro League's top defensive teams, sitting in fourth with 19 goals allowed.
The Timbers and AC St. Louis conclude a four-game, regular-season series tonight in St. Louis. On July 28, forward Mike Ambersley scored a hat trick to hand the Timbers a 3-0 loss and end a five-game unbeaten streak for Portland. Prior to that match, the Timbers had not allowed three goals in a losing effort since June 7, 2008 (a 3-1 loss @ Vancouver). Portland is 1-1-1 against AC St. Louis this season, including a 3-0 win on April 22 at PGE Park.
Defender
Ian Joy is unavailable for tonight's match due to a one-game, league-imposed suspension for his red card issued on Wednesday.
