MATCH INFORMATION
Kickoff: 5:30 p.m. (Pacific)
Location: Toyota Park (Bridgview Ill.)
Forecast: Showers, 80 degrees
Referee: Mathieu Bourdeau
Assistant Referees: Phil Briere, Peter Balciunas Fourth Official: Silviu Petrescu
National TV: KPDX
Talent: Jake Zivin (play-by-play), Ross Smith (analyst), Samantha Yarock (reporter)
English Radio: 750 The Game (KXTG 750 AM, 102.9 FM)
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
Following a 4-2 win against Vancouver Whitecaps FC on May 22, Portland enters Saturday’s match agaisnt the Chicago Fire unbeaten in six previous matches against the Fire, including a record of 1-0-1 at Toyota Park. The Timbers venture into the match against Chicago coming off their largest scoring output of the season against Vancouver, with four different players finding the back of the net for Portland, including midfielders Darlington Nagbe and Dairon Asprilla who recorded their first goals of the season. With goals from Nagbe and Asprilla, eight different players have scored for Portland in 2016. Chicago heads into Saturday’s match with one win in their last four matches. Forward Kennedy Igboananike leads the team in goals (4), while Arturo Alvarez leads in assists (3).
LAST MATCH RECAP
The Portland Timbers recorded their fourth home win of the season before a sold-out crowd at Providence Park on May 22, as four different players found the back of the net, giving the Timbers a 4-2 win over Cascadia-rival Vancouver Whitecaps FC. Timbers midfielders Diego Valeri, Darlington Nagbe and Dairon Asprilla and forward Jack McInerney each scored for Portland.
ALL-TIME SERIES NOTES
Saturday’s match marks the seventh meeting all-time between Portland and Chicago since 2011. The Timbers are unbeaten (4-0-2) in six previous matches against the Fire, posting a record of 1-0-1 at Toyota Park against the Eastern Conference club. After consecutive draws against the Fire during the 2013 and 2014 campaigns, the Timbers secured three points against Chicago in 2015 when forward Fanendo Adi scored three minutes into the second half, extending Portland’s unbeaten run against the Fire. Games between the two clubs have generally provided goals, as there has never been a scoreless draw in six previous matches and just two shutouts, including Portland’s first MLS road win on July 16, 2011.
LAST TIME VS. CHICAGO FIRE
The Portland Timbers registered their league-leading 10th shutout of the 2015 season with a 1-0 win against the Chicago Fire before a sellout crowd of 21,144 fans at Providence Park. Portland found the game-winning goal off the foot of forward Fanendo Adi in the 48th minute as he finished a rebound from close range.
SCOUTING CHICAGO FIRE
The Chicago Fire enter Saturday’s contest with one win in their last four matches, recently defeating the Houston Dynamo 1-0 on May 21 after falling to the New York Red Bulls 1-0, the New England Revolution 2-0 and Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2-1. In six games played at Toyota Park this season, the Fire have produced a 2-2-2 record. In their last three games at home, Chicago have secured four points (1-1-1). So far in 2016, the Fire have played two matches against Western Conference opponents (1-1-0), splitting the results with one win and one loss. Forward Kennedy Igboananike leads the team in goals (4), while Arturo Alvarez leads the team in assists (3), and Gilberto ranks first in shots with 23.
