The Portland Timbers look to continue their strong start to the MLS season when they play Columbus Crew SC at MAPFRE Stadium on Saturday for the first time since the 2015 MLS Cup final (4:30pm PT, ROOT SPORTS). Here are five numbers to know for #CLBvPOR in the latest edition of Quick Strikes.
37 Since the beginning of the 2016 season, Portland teammates Fanendo Adi and Diego Valeri have combined to score 37 goals. That is eight more than any other set of current MLS teammates in that span, with Toronto FC's Jozy Altidore and Sebastian Giovinco combining for 29.
7 A total of seven different Timbers players have been credited with at least one assist in 2017, with Valeri leading the way with two. Among the other 10 Western Conference teams combined, 19 players have an assist so far this season.
1.5 Despite being more than 1,000 miles away from its closest Eastern Conference opponent, the Timbers have traveled well under head coach Caleb Porter when facing Eastern Conference foes. Portland is 7-4-9 under Porter against Eastern Conference opposition on the road, for an average of 1.5 points per game.
2-1 In each of the last three matches between Crew SC and the Timbers, Portland has emerged with a 2-1 victory. Two of those meeting were in the regular-season while the other was the 2015 MLS Cup.
86 So far this season, the Portland Timbers have taken 86 touches in their opponent's penalty area. No other MLS team has taken more than 70 touches in the opposing penalty area.
