The Portland Timbers square off against the San Jose Earthquakes for the second time in a row, this time at home for a mid-week game (7:30pm PT, ROOT SPORTS, TICKETS). The Timbers looked careful and considerate on both ends of the pitch last weekend and with the team returning home to the friendly confines of Providence Park, Portland will look to be on the front foot. Let's take a look at five numbers to know for the match against San Jose.
2Rodney Wallace was oustanding against San Jose the last time out, recording his first brace of the season and earning him a spot in the MLS Team of the Week. Wallace has been a bit of a sparkplug for Portland and he should provide even more fireworks at home against the Earthquakes.
1
After last weekend, just one point separates the Vancouver Whitecaps and Portland Timbers for the fifth and final spot in the Western Conference playoff standings. The Whitecaps won on Oct. 4 against FC Dallas at home, but now have to head out on the road for two consecutive games, including this Friday against Seattle at CenturyLink Field. Portland, meanwhile, has two games in a row at home before ending the season at Dallas.
FIVE
With the win over San Jose on Saturday, the Timbers improved to 5-1-3 in games immediately following a loss this season. Further, the Timbers have won four straight after a defeat, outscoring their opponents 9-2 and posting two clean sheets in victories over Colorado on July 18 (2-1), Chivas USA on Aug. 9 (2-0), at Vancouver on Aug. 30 (3-0), and Saturday’s 2-1 victory at San Jose. The Timbers have not followed up a defeat with a second loss since March 29, the only time Portland sustained consecutive defeats this season.
16
Portland leads MLS with the most goals scored in the final 15 minutes of matches (16) and ranks tied for the most second-half goals scored (36) with the LA Galaxy.
31
Portland scores at Providence Park. The Timbers have knocked in 31 goals at home this year, tying them for third in MLS. That kind of offensive fireworks has led to plenty of green and gold smoke coming from the North End.
