MATCH INFORMATION
Date: Sunday, May 14, 2017
Kickoff: 1 p.m. (Pacific)
Location: Providence Park (Portland, Ore.)
Forecast: Mostly cloudy, 55 degrees
Referee: Alan Kelly
Assistant Referees: Matthew Nelson, Ian Anderson Fourth Official: Alex Chilowicz
National TV: ESPN
Talent: Steve Cangialosi (play-by-play), Alejandro Moreno (analyst)
English Radio: 750 The Game (KXTG 750 AM, 102.9 FM)
Talent: Fletcher Johnson (host), Jake Zivin (play-by-play), Ross Smith (analyst)
Spanish Radio: La GranD (KGGD 93.5 FM, 1150 AM)
Talent: Josue del Castillo (play-by-play), Ozkar Ramos (analyst)
MATCH PREVIEW
The Portland Timbers will return to Providence Park this weekend, playing host to expansion side Atlanta United FC on Sunday, May 14. Beginning at 1 p.m. (Pacific), the match against Atlanta United will be nationally televised on ESPN with local radio broadcasts on 750 AM/102.9 FM The Game (English) and La GranD 1150 AM/93.5 FM (Spanish). Sunday’s game marks the first-ever meeting between the Timbers and Atlanta United. Heading into the match, Portland and Atlanta have been two of the most prolific goalscoring teams in the league, as the Timbers lead MLS in goals scored (20), while Atlanta is tied for the second-most goals scored, finding the back of the net 19 times. Forward Josef Martinez leads the team in goals scored (5).
LAST MATCH RECAP
The Portland Timbers were unable to overcome a two-goal deficit in the first half, falling 3-0 to the San Jose Earthquakes before 18,000 fans at Avaya Stadium on May 6.
ALL-TIME SERIES NOTES
Saturday’s game marks the first-ever meeting between the Timbers and Atlanta United FC in MLS. As a club, the Timbers have played 14 matches against teams based in Atlanta, Ga., producing a 5-6-3 record in their USL and NASL eras, dating back to 1975. In the last match between the Timbers and an Atlanta-based team, Timbers defender Lawrence Olum scored Portland’s lone goal in a 1-1 draw against the Atlanta Silverbacks on July 18, 2008, during the club’s USL era.
SCOUTING ATLANTA UNITED FC
Atlanta United FC enters Sunday’s game coming off a 2-1 loss to New York City FC at Yankee Stadium on Sunday, May 7. Going into Sunday’s game against the Timbers, the Eastern Conference club has one win in its last six matches, last defeating Real Salt Lake 3-1 at Rio Tinto Stadium on April 22. Forward Josef Martinez leads the team in goals scored (5).
