Portland is back at home on Friday night, playing against the Colorado Rapids in a key Western Conference matchup (8pm PT, NBCSN). The Timbers are comingoff a Cascadia Cup loss against Seattle and will be hungry to avenge their earlier loss from the season to Colorado on Mar. 22. The Rapids, meanwhile, are 1-1-3 over their last five games, four of which were at home. In their last road game, the Rapids lost, 3-2, to FC Dallas. Let's check out five stats to know before Friday night's kickoff.
30 The Timbers offense has been the highlight of their season. After a slow start incorporating a plethora of new attacking players at the beginning of the season, Gastón Fernández and Fanendo Adi have meshed well with their teammates. As a result, the Timbers are tied for second in the Western Conference with 30 goals scored.
Sixty two Portland goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts has been strong in the line of fire this season. At 62 saves, Ricketts is just one stop behind New York Red Bulls keeper Luis Robles for most in MLS. Ricketts has won MLS Save of the Week twice this season -- in Week 12 against New York and again in Week 17 for his free kick save against LA Galaxy's Juninho (below). On Sunday, Ricketts set the single-game franchise record against Seattle with eight saves.
3-1-0 Colorado has not been particularly effective inside the confines of Providence Park. In four matches in Portland, the Rapids have conceeded three wins to the home side, including a goal deficit of -4. The Rapids have registered just goal in four matches at Providence Park.
5 A little over halfway through the 2014 season, the Timbers remain still very much in the race for the postseason. With 16 points in their last 10 games, Portland remain only five points below the fifth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference. With seven home games remaining--including Friday's game against Colorado--Portland will be keen to start earning more points in their drive for the playoffs.
9 The Timbers offense has been a thing to watch lately, and it has truly been a team effort. While Portland is tied for second in the Western Conference with 30 goals scored, they have had nine players find the back of the net for them this season. Maximiliano Urruti and Gastón Fernández lead the team and are are tied at six goals a piece on the year.
