MATCH INFORMATION
Date: Saturday, Sept. 27, 2016
Kickoff: 7 p.m. (Pacific)
Location: Estadio Cuscatlan (San Salvador, El Salvador)
Forecast: Rainy, 81 degree
Referee: Jose Kellys
Assistant Referees: Ronald Bruna, Gabriel Victoria Fourth Official: Jafeth Perea
Broadcast: CONCACAF Champions League (Facebook live stream), Univision Deportes Network (tape delay, 11 p.m. PT)
LAST MATCH RECAP
The Portland Timbers fell 3-1 against the Houston Dynamo at BBVA Compass Stadium on Sept. 24. The goal marked Diego Valeri’s 13th in league play this season, and second in as many matches, with the midfielder ranked tied for the sixth- most goals scored in MLS this season. The result snapped the Timbers’ three- game unbeaten run against the Dynamo in league play (2-0-1), dating back to June 20, 2015, with Portland defeating Houston 3-2 at Providence Park in the first matchup of the 2016 season between the two clubs on June 26. Despite Portland opening the match on the strong foot with several chances, Houston managed to take the lead in the 34th minute when the referee pointed to the penalty spot, signaling for a handball in the area on Timbers defender Liam Ridgewell. Responding strongly in the second half, Portland equalized just six minutes into the half when Valeri scored from inside the 18-yard box, recording his 13th goal of the season. With the Timbers pushing for the game-winning goal, Houston managed to score twice in the final 17 minutes of the game.
SCOUTING DRAGON
C.D. Dragon enters Tuesday’s match winless in three games played in Group B of the 2016-17 Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League. After suffering a 2-1 defeat to Portland at Providence Park on Aug. 3, C.D. Dragon fell 6-0 to Deportivo Saprissa at Estadio Ricardo Saprissa on Aug. 17, before battling Saprissa to a scoreless draw in El Salvador on Aug. 24. As a result, Dragon is eliminated from advancing to the knockout round.
GROUP B STANDINGS
| Team | GP | W | L | T | Pts. | GF | GA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saprissa | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 7 | 10 | 2 | +8 |
| Portland | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 4 | 5 | -1 |
| Dragon | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 8 | -7 |
GROUP B OUTLOOK
Portland can automatically qualify for the 2016-17 Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League with back-to-back wins against C.D. Dragon and Deportivo Saprissa. Additionally, the Timbers can advance with a draw against C.D. Dragon and a win against Saprissa with a three-goal difference.
