FRISCO, Texas – The Portland Timbers wrapped up training at Toyota Stadium’s practice field ahead of Sunday’s second leg of the Audi 2015 MLS Cup Playoffs Western Conference Championship against FC Dallas (2pm PT, ESPN) with a sense of quiet confidence.
Though they head into the game with a 3-1 lead on aggregate thanks to the team’s win at Providence Park last week, Portland is still very aware of the challenge that lies ahead.
“We’ve got a good lead but [Dallas is] at home,” said midfielder Darlington Nagbe following a cold training session in Frisco. “They’re going to come out and attack so we’ve got to be at our best.”
Fellow midfielders Diego Valeri and Rodney Wallace, who both missed the first leg due to yellow card accumulation, are set to be available for the return leg.
“I’m very excited,” said Valeri. “You know, right after the game last Sunday, I was waiting for this so now, I’ll rest well and wait for tomorrow.”
While the Timbers are not underestimating Dallas’ quick attack and ability to score goals nor their strong play at home, Portland’s two-goal lead heading in to the game—courtesy of the late stoppage time strike from defender Nat Borchers—gave them some valuable insurance. In league playoff history, two-goal advantages have only been overcome twice in the two-legged playoff format.
Moreover, Portland led MLS in the regular season in wins on the road with seven. Throw in the playoffs and Portland has won their last four games away from home and six of their last seven. All time in MLS play in Dallas, Portland has a record of 5-2-2.
Far from content though, Nagbe and Timbers will not look to sit on their laurels. The newly minted USMNT player has been nothing short of spectacular throughout the team’s playoff run averaging 85.3 touches a game over the last three matches to go along with a passing accuracy average of 91.8 percent.
Nagbe will be aiming to continue that run of form on Sunday with a ticket to MLS Cup on the line.
“We need to come out here and do what we did and do it on the road to get a win,” he said. “At this point in the season, it’s just whatever it takes to get the win. I feel like I’m ready to do that and all the guys are ready to do that as well.”
