MATCH INFORMATION
Date: Friday, March 3, 2017
Kickoff: 6:30 p.m. (Pacific)
Location: Providence Park (Portland, Ore.)
Forecast: Mostly cloudy, 44 degrees
Referee: Chris Penso
Assistant Referees: Jeremy Hanson, Cameron Blanchard Fourth Official: Baboucarr Jallow
National TV: FS1
Talent: Rob Stone (host), John Strong (play-by-play), Alexi Lalas (analyst), Katie Witham (reporter)
English Radio: 750 The Game (KXTG 750 AM, 102.9 FM)
Talent: 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
Kicking off the 2017 regular season, the Portland Timbers play host to Minnesota United FC at Providence Park on Friday. The match will be broadcast live on FS1, beginning at 6:30 p.m., with a local radio broadcast on 750 AM/102.9 FM The Game (KXTG) and in Spanish on La GranD 1150 AM/93.5 FM (KGDD). The meeting marks the first-ever MLS match between the two sides, as Minnesota begins its MLS expansion campaign. Since 2011, Portland is 3-0-3 in MLS home openers. Additionally, the Timbers have logged a 27-5-16 overall regular-season record against Western Conference opponents at Providence Park since the start of 2013 season. In addition, the Timbers are 8-0-5 in their last 13 home openers across all eras of the club (since 1975).
LAST MATCH RECAP
The Portland Timbers concluded their 2017 preseason schedule with a 2-1 victory against the LA Galaxy at the StubHub Center on February 25. Scoring a goal in each half, forward Fanendo Adi recorded a brace for the Timbers, while midfielder Diego Valeri recorded two assists.
SCOUTING UNITED FC
Friday’s match marks the beginning of Minnesota United FC’s first season in MLS, with the club kicking off its expansion campaign after becoming the 23rd MLS team on March 25, 2015. After making the transition to MLS from the NASL, Minnesota appointed Adrian Heath as its first MLS head coach. Prior to joining the Loons, Heath compiled a 21-25-22 regular-season record in one-and-a-half seasons as head coach of Orlando City SC. Additionally, the club added five players from its NASL roster to its MLS squad during the transition, signing Christian Ramirez, Brent Kallman, Ibson, Kevin Venegas and Justin Davis. Minnesota’s key acquisitions ahead of the 2017 MLS campaign include midfielders Kevin Molino, Johan Venegas and Bashkim Kadrii. Molino, who was acquired in a trade with Orlando City SC, scored 11 goals in the 2016 MLS campaign, while also adding eight assists, recording the second-most goals for the Lions. Additionally, after acquiring the first overall pick in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft, United selected forward Abu Danladi.
ALL-TIME SERIES NOTES
Although Friday’s match marks the first-ever MLS match between the Timbers and Minnesota United FC, the Timbers have played over 40 games against Minnesota-based clubs, dating back to their NASL era. While facing the Minnesota Kicks, Minnesota Thunder and NSC Minnesota Stars, the Timbers have produced a 16-13-14 record against Minnesota-based teams. Overall, the Timbers have only lost twice in their last 25 matches against Minnesota-based teams, including a 2-1-1 record in their final USL season in 2010 against the NSC Minnesota Stars.
NEW SIGNINGS
During the offseason, the Timbers made two key additions to core of their roster, bolstering their squad for the 2017 season. After signing Costa Rican midfielder, David Guzmán via transfer from Deportivo Saprissa, the Timbers acquired Argentinian midfielder Sebastián Blanco as a Designated Player via transfer. Joining the Timbers midfield, Blanco and Guzmán provide over 380 professional matches to Portland’s squad.
