The Portland Timbers are looking to continue their strong offensive showing against Chivas USA on Saturday (7:30pm PT, KPDX) after belting in four goals against rivals the Seattle Sounders on Apr. 5. The Goats are ahead of Portland in the Western Conference table at the moment, but a win for the Timbers could mean leapfrogging the Californian side. Let's take a look at five stats to know in preparation for Saturday night's game.
6 After launching four goals past Seattle goalkeeper Stefan Frei last weekend, the Timbers have the third-most goals scored in the Western Conference with six. Diego Valeri has been a focal point of the Portland offense this season, with 15 key passes (passes leading to shots) and one goal in his position in central midfield. With Diego Chara scoring twice on Apr. 5 and Darlington Nagbe looking much more free in open space, the Timbers offense feels as though they are starting to accelerate as they enter April.
Fifth Chivas USA goalkeeper Dan Kennedy has been working extra hard in front of the net this season. At 15 saves, Kennedy is tied for fifth in MLS at blocked shots. With the Timbers offense ready to strike, the Chivas back four will have to be on their game, particularly against Diego Valeri, who has taken 17 shots on the season. Meanwhile, Kennedy has the fourth-worst save percentage out of any keeper in MLS.
-4 The goal defecit for Chivas USA has been less than impressive, amassing six goals scored but 10 goals against. That's the worst deficit in the Western Conference, and second-worst in MLS. Chivas struggle in particular on the road, where they are -2 on the season.
93 Darlington Nagbe hit a Timbers MLS record of 100 career games appearances in a Portland uniform against Seattle Sounders on Apr. 5, and defender Jack Jewsbury is right behind him. Jewsbury has been with Portland since 2011, playing in 93 games and starting in 92. The Joplin, Missouri native has been a staple of soccer life in the Rose City for fans and his arrival into the century club for games played could continue should he see the pitch against Chivas USA.
9-1 During their run to the best record in the Western Conference in 2013, the Timbers faced off with Chivas three times. In those three matches, they outscored their opponent my a margin of 9-1. Portland had two shutouts, 3-0 and 5-0, and didn't drop a game all season. Their record against Chivas USA in 2013 was 2-0-1, dominating both away and home.
