The Portland Timbers (11-7-9, 42pts) make the long trip towards the Caribbean Sea as they take on the Puerto Rico Islanders (9-9-9, 36pts) Saturday afternoon at Juan Ramon Loubriel Stadium. With only 3 games left in the regular season, the Timbers are one of four teams to have clinched a spot in the playoffs and are seated comfortably at 4th place in the overall league standings. Portland is riding a 7 game unbeaten streak, its longest of the year, and has a record of 7-2-5 in their last 13 matches.

Puerto Rico remains within striking distance of the Timbers and there’s a possibility that the two clubs could meet in the playoffs.  Coming off a 3-0 stomping of Austin in their last league match, the Islanders are determined to secure one of the four postseason berths still available and are currently in 6h place overall in what remains a tight race for playoff positioning.

Although three tough road games face Portland down the final stretch and despite a scoreless draw in their last effort against Carolina, the team is feeling confident from their success in recent weeks.

“We go into every game knowing that we are going to have a chance to win, and we expect to win.” Says defender Josh Cameron. “Anything less can be a little disappointing.”

And despite already qualifying for the playoffs, the team doesn’t have any plans to rest on their laurels.

“Every game we play, we play to win.” Says Ross Smith. “We’re not looking to play a safe sort of game. All season we’ve been going for it, and that’s what we’ll be looking for (on Saturday), the 3 points.”

Portland has experienced a few ups and downs this season, but have been able to push through any speed bumps to show that they are indeed one of the top teams in the league.  The Timbers have relied heavily on their determination, competitiveness, and heart all year.

“We’ve got a good group of players,” Says Coach Gavin Wilkinson, “Mentally we’re very tough.”

The Forecast and Other Factors
“This is a team who still hasn’t made the playoffs.” Reminds team captain Ian Joy. “I can guarantee you they’re going to be coming at us all guns blazing.”

Expect things to get heated down in Puerto Rico.  The last times these teams met at PGE Park, the Timbers and their fans were celebrating and waving sunflowers in a 1-0 victory at the Islanders expense.  Not only will Portland be playing a motivated Puerto Rico club with redemption on their mind, but they will be facing a 30% chance of precipitation, heavy humidity, and the chance of a few thunderstorms.  What potential impact could the poor weather have on the game?

“It’s not so much the rain, the (issue) is the heat.” Says Cameron, “It might be a little warmer there, but that’s not an excuse. We’ve played in all (types of conditions), so you just have to go out and bring your best.”

“The field isn’t very good,” Says Joy. “It’s a heavy field where you have to make sure and wear the right footing, and you have to be smart with how you pass the ball and with the tempo of play.”

With the grass field at Juan Ramon Loubriel likely to be rain soaked, the Timbers will need to adjust quickly to the conditions and maintain their focus.  The team hopes to avoid any concerns of jet lag by arriving over a day ahead of kickoff, but still, the flight will be long and traveling can always be cumbersome.

“We gotta get used to it,” Says Lopez. “In the playoffs there’s going to be (a lot of traveling). It’s definitely a tough stretch in front of us, but we have a deep team that can deal with it.”

Throughout the years, Puerto Rico has experienced their share of passionate fans in Juan Ramon Loubriel Stadium, although in recent years, attendance has seen a sharp drop.   Still, Portland must be prepared for a hostile and unfriendly atmosphere.

Added Coach Gavin Wilkinson, “We gotta stay disciplined, keep our shape, and not allow the environment or their team to upset our balance.”

Defense Win Championships?
The old adage is true, right?  If so then the Timbers should be feeling pretty good about themselves.  Portland has only given up 20 goals this season, tied for the 2nd fewest goals allowed in the league.  During the unbeaten streak the team has a 9-3 scoring advantage.

“First and foremost its about getting that zero and really setting the (tone) for the match.” Says Smith.

Portland has not allowed a goal in their last 334 minutes of play. Lead by keeper Steve Cronin, the defense has recorded 3 shutouts in row, and 11 total for the season.

“We pride ourselves on keeping a clean sheet,” Says Smith. “And letting the midfield and the fellas upfront go out and really express themselves.”

But how long will Portland be able to lean on their defense before it wears down?  And will the Timbers be able to turn their defense into some much needed offense?

Offense Wins Championships?
Portland has found the back of the net 28 times in 27 games, tied for 3rd fewest goals scored this season.  Perhaps worse, only 14 of those goals were assisted and 5 of the scores were from penalty kicks.  These numbers reflect the Timber’s offensive struggles – their inabilities to keep the ball, pass efficiently, and find a smooth chemistry on the field.

Lately, the team has been building a little steam, building attacks more consistently.  Coach Wilkinson’s decision to switch to a 4-4-3 formation has helped created space and put the team in a more attacking mindset.  Scoring 9 goals during their unbeaten streak, including a 3 goal outburst against Baltimore at home, Portland seems to be on the verge of finally breaking through.

“We’re just waiting for the flood gates to open,” Says Smith. “There’s been so many games where we’ve hit every side of the woodwork.”

Certainly, the Timbers offensive issues haven’t been for a lack of trying.  Portland leads the league in total shots with 359, the next closest team being Austin with 316.   Also, the Timbers have outshot their opponent 22 times this year, averaging just over 13 attempts a match.

“The numbers tell you that we want to score,” Concludes Joy. ” Sometimes the most important thing in football is to get into those positions and to get your shots off. The first job is to get yourself into a (scoring) position and as long as we have that attitude to get there and keep having a willingness to get there, then the goals will come.”

Yellow Cards, Injuries, and Other Bits

- The stats show that the Timbers have been one of the most aggressive teams in the league this season.  Portland ranks 4th overall in fouls committed, 4th overall in yellow cards, tied for 2nd in Red Cards, and tied for 3rd in misconducts.  But this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, it shows that your team is playing hard and not willing to give up anything easy.

“I’ll take (those numbers) as a compliment.” Said Smith with a smile.

However, the teams aggressive play is not without its penalty.  Ian Joy is one caution away from another suspension, leading the team with 7 yellow cards.  Three Timbers (Alex Nimo, James Marcelin, and Mamdou Danso) each have 4 cautions, placing them on the brink of suspension.  The USSF penalizes players with a 1-game suspension after 5 yellow cards and again after 7.  Is the team concerned at all?

“There’s a lot of depth on this squad,” Says Joy. “The smartest thing to do is to go out and play the game whether you pick up a yellow card or night. You can’t think about it.”

- Forward Bright Dike will be serving a 1-game suspension after receiving his 5th caution in the Timbers last match against Carolina.  Dike has started 21 matches and scored 7 goals this season.  How will the team replace their rookie striker? Doug DeMartin, Ibad Muhamadu, and Taka Suzuki are likely candidates to help pick up the slack.

Also, it will be interesting to see what formation the Timbers will use against Puerto Rico this weekend.  Without Dike to push high and apply pressure up front, will the team opt to play in a more traditional 4-4-2 system?

“Every striker brings something different, so it will change things a bit,” Says Smith. “But whatever striker comes in, they’ll have a chance to shine and score some goals.”

- The Timbers have been forced to practice and play the rest of their postseason home games away from PGE Park as renovation is already well under way.  Practices will be held at Nike Headquarters or Lincoln High school, and sites for future playoff matches are yet to determined, although University of Portland’s Merlo Field or Hillsboro Stadium are likely options.

“Not training at PGE Park is a negative and not having PGE park to play playoff games is a big negative as well,” Says Coach Wilkinson, “But we’re looking forward, we accept that this is one of the necessary steps to go to the MLS.”

Surely, practicing at Nike couldn’t be that bad?

“Nike has been tremendous and they’ve looked after us.” Adds Coach Wilkinson. “The (facilities) here are phenomenal.”

- Ross Smith was seen walking around in a light cast during Thursday morning’s practice at Nike Headquarters.  Smith suffered a small break near the base of his pinkie finger during the Carolina match last weekend and will be forced to wear the cast for about a month.  Fortunately, the injury won’t cause Smith to miss any action on the field.

“Maybe it stops me from grabbing on a little bit and pushing and shoving as much as you want to,” Joked Smith with a chuckle. “But I guess I’ll just have to use my right hand for that.”

Related posts:

1. TIMBERS IN 4TH PLACE – FIRST WIN EVER IN PUERTO RICO
2. Timbers get a point in Puerto Rico
3. Portland at Puerto Rico, 5/24
4. Live Updates: Puerto Rico @ Montreal
5. Puerto Rico Islanders Shock LA Galaxy