On a seven-points-in-three-games stretch, the Portland Timbers look to continue their recent success as they travel to play Toronto FC Saturday (3pm PT, ROOT SPORTS) Here are five numbers to know for #TORvPOR in the latest Quick Strikes.
5&5 Midfielder Sebastián Blanco, who has scored or had an assist in seven of his last nine matches, is one of three MLS newcomers to have registered at least five goals and five assists. Blanco (five goals, six assists) is joined by Atlanta United's Miguel Almiron and LA Galaxy's Romain Alessandrini as first-year MLS players who have met those benchmarks.
42The Timbers lead the Western Conference in goals scored with 42. Additionally, Diego Valerihas the most goals of any MLS midfielder in 2017 with 12.
50 In Portland's 3-1 victory over LA, goalkeeper Jake Gleeson made his 50th career start for the club. Gleeson, who first appeared for the club in 2011, will tie for the second-most MLS starts by a Timbers goalkeeper in his next start.
6 The Timbers have a trio of players in 2017 with six or more assists in David Guzmán, Valeri, and Blanco. No team in MLS has more than three players currently with six-plus assists.
28 Between Portland and Toronto, there have been 28 different players who have scored a goal this season. The 14 unique goal-scorers per club are the most among all MLS teams in 2017.
