MATCH INFORMATION
Date: Saturday, March 18, 2017
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. (Pacific)
Location: Providence Park (Portland, Ore.)
Forecast: Rain, 55 degrees
Referee: Allen Chapman
Assistant Referees: Peter Manikowski, Jeffrey Hosking Fourth Official: Alejandro Mariscal
National TV: ROOT SPORTS
Talent: Jake Zivin (play-by-play), Ross Smith (analyst), Samantha Yarock (reporter), Nat Borchers (field analyst)
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
Coming off a 1-0 road win against the LA Galaxy on March 12, the Portland Timbers will return to Providence Park to play host to the Houston Dynamo on Saturday, March 18, marking the first of two regular-season matches scheduled between the two teams this season. Going into the game against Houston, the Timbers (2-0-0, 6pts) are off to their strongest start to a season in the club’s MLS era, with Portland picking up six points through its first two games after midfielder Diego Chara scored the game-winning goal against the Galaxy, marking his first regular-season finish since Oct. 18, 2015. Entering Saturday’s match, the Dynamo (2-0-0, 6pts) also are unbeaten through its first two games, recently defeating Columbus Crew SC 3-1 at home on March 11.
LAST MATCH RECAP
In their second match of the 2017 MLS regular season, the Portland Timbers secured their first away win of the season, defeating the LA Galaxy 1-0 before 20,982 fans at the StubHub Center on March 12. Portland’s win against the Galaxy marks its strongest start to a season in the club’s MLS era, with the Timbers picking up six points through their first two regular-season games. Midfielder Diego Chara scored for Portland, recording his first goal in 2017.
LAST TIME VS. HOUSTON
Despite a finish from midfielder Diego Valeri early in the second half, the Portland Timbers fell 3-1 against the Houston Dynamo at BBVA Compass Stadium on Sept. 24, snapping a three-game unbeaten run in league play against Houston.
ALL-TIME SERIES NOTES
Saturday’s match marks the first of two regular-season matches scheduled between Portland and Houston this season, and the 11th regular-season match between the two clubs since 2011. During that stretch, the Timbers have posted a 3-1-1 record at Providence Park against the Dynamo, outscoring Houston 9-6 over that five-game span. In the only meeting between the two clubs at Providence Park during the 2016 MLS regular season, Portland scored three second- half goals to erase a two-goal deficit to defeat the Dynamo 3-2 in a nationally televised contest. Midfielder Diego Valeri, who scored in both games against Houston last season, recorded two goals and one assist in the home win.
SCOUTING HOUSTON
Led by new head coach Wilmer Cabrera, who joined the club during the 2016 offseason from USL side Rio Grande Valley FC Toros, the Houston Dynamo are off to a strong start in the 2017 MLS regular season, picking up six points through their first two matches. After defeating Seattle Sounders FC 2-1 in its opening match on March 4, the Dynamo secured a 3-1 victory against Columbus Crew SC on March 11. Both games were played at BBVA Compass Stadium, with Saturday’s match against Portland marking the Dynamo’s first road contest in 2017. Forwards Erick Torres and Romell Quioto lead the team in goals scored with two each, while midfielder Alex leads the team in assists (3).
