Each Major League Soccer matchday in 2021, the KeyBank Scouting Report will give you a snapshot of the Portland Timbers’ next opponent. Saturday, the Timbers continue their stretch of three games in seven days as they travel to take on Minnesota United FC at Allianz Field. Kickoff is 5pm PT on FOX 12 PLUS.
Team Form
The Loons currently sit in seventh place in the Western Conference on 18 points – one point behind Portland – with a record of 5-5-3. They most recently handed Seattle Sounders FC their first loss of the season with a 1-0 victory at home on July 18.
Portland last faced Minnesota just under a month ago, losing 1-0 to MNUFC at Providence Park. Since that match, Minnesota has gone 1-1-1.
Minnesota have the second-most shutouts at home in the league this season (4) but are also second-to-last in MLS in goals scored (13).
In attack
The Loons' leading goalscorer is midfielder Robin Lod who has three goals in eight matches to go along with two assists. Lod had the the game-winning tally in Minnesota's win last week over Seattle.
French midfielder Adrien Hunou, who arrived midseason, has two goals in seven matches for Minnesota while former Boca Juniors midfielder and current Designated Player Emanuel Reynoso has a goal and is tied for the team lead with three assists.
In Defense
A stalwart on the defensive side for Minnesota has been defender Chase Gasper. The outside back, now in his third MLS season, has played every minute of all 13 games of the 2021 season.
Defensive midfielder Wil Trapp has been a near lock in the lineup having started 12 matches.
Also of note to Timbers fans, former Sounders midfielder Osvaldo Alonso has made 11 appearances for the Loons coming mostly off the bench in defensive support.