MATCH INFORMATION
Date: Saturday, Sept. 10, 2016
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. (Pacific)
Location: Providence Park (Portland, Ore.)
Forecast: Partly cloudy, 75 degrees
Referee: Drew Fischer
Assistant Referees: Jeremy Hanson, Phil Briere
Fourth Official: Dave Gantar
Local TV: ROOT SPORTS
Talent: Jake Zivin (play-by-play), Ross Smith (analyst), Samantha Yarock (reporter)
English Radio: KUFO 970 AM
Talent: Keith Bleyer (play-by-play), Brett Jacobs (analyst)
Spanish Radio: La GranD (KGGD 93.5 FM, 1150 AM)
Talent: Josue del Castillo (play-by-play), Ozkar Ramos (analyst)
MATCH PREVIEW
Entering Saturday’s game, the Timbers are unbeaten in their last seven regular- season matches against Real Salt Lake (4-0-3), dating back to June 7, 2014. In 2016, the Timbers have produced one of the strongest home records (9-3-2) in the league, with Portland ranked tied for the third-most home wins in MLS this season, behind only FC Dallas and the New York Red Bulls. Real Salt Lake enter Saturday’s match coming off a 3-3 home draw against the LA Galaxy on Wednesday, with Real Salt Lake scoring two goals late in the second half to erase a 3-1 deficit. Real Salt Lake is 4-8-2 on the road in 2016, losing its last two away fixtures. Forward Joao Plata leads the team in goals and assists, with nine goals and 11 assists this season.
LAST MATCH RECAP
The Portland Timbers were unable to overcome a two-goal halftime deficit in a 3-1 away loss against FC Dallas before 14,207 fans at Toyota Stadium on Sept. 3. Midfielder Diego Valeri scored Portland’s lone goal in the second half, recording his 11th goal of the season. After FC Dallas took a three-goal lead, Portland cut the home side’s advantage to two goals when midfielder Diego Valeri scored his 10th goal of the season in 87th minute.
LAST TIME VS. REAL SALT LAKE
The Portland Timbers battled Real Salt Lake to a 2-2 draw before 20,317 fans at Rio Tinto Stadium on June 18, extending their unbeaten run to four games in league play and five games in all competitions.
ALL-TIME SERIES NOTES
Saturday’s match marks the 17th all-time regular-season meeting between the Timbers and Real Salt Lake since 2011, and the third and final regular-season contest between both clubs in 2016. Dating back to June, 7 2014, the Timbers are unbeaten in their last seven regular-season games against Real Salt Lake (4-0-3). In their most recent match on June 18, both teams battled to a 2-2 draw at Rio Tinto Stadium. In the opening contest between the two teams this season on March 19, Portland erased a two-goal deficit late in the second half, behind a brace from forward Fanendo Adi, to draw 2-2. The Timbers last home loss to Real Salt Lake took place on March 31, 2012.
SCOUTING REAL SALT LAKE
Sitting in second place in the Western Conference, Real Salt Lake enters Saturday’s match coming off a 3-3 home draw against the LA Galaxy on Wednesday, after scoring two goals late in the second half to erase a 3-1 deficit. Compared to an unbeaten home record (8-0-6), Real Salt Lake is 4-8-2 on the road in 2016. Forward Joao Plata leads the team in goals and assists, with nine goals and 11 assists this season.
100 SELLOUTS
On Saturday, the Portland Timbers will mark their 100th consecutive regular-season sellout at Providence Park as an MLS club.
