The Portland Timbers get back into MLS play against Sporting Kansas City Friday night trying to continue their surge above the red line in the Western Conference (8pm PT, KPTV, TICKETS). The Timbers offense has been playing well lately, and the number of goals scored at home is a stat to keep an eye on. Here's five more numbers to know before Friday night's game.
.500 The series between these two teams in MLS play is all tied up. In four matches, both teams have won two and lost two, without a single draw between them. At both Providence Park and Sporting Park, the rivalry between the Portland and Kansas City is set at 2-2-0.
19 Portland has been offensively efficient as of late, especially on their home field. The Timbers are leading MLS in goals scored at home with a whopping 19 shots to the back of the net. Portland has been one of the hottest teams in MLS as of late, racking up 16 points in their last nine games. The next closest team is FC Dallas with 17 goals at home.
82 The Timbers offense has gelled lately, their recent scoring flurry a direct result of their shots on goal. As of Tuesday, the Timbers have 82 shots on goal, which is second in MLS only behind the Seattle Sounders at 87. Diego Valeri is fourth in MLS in shots at 47, as well as first in assists with eight.
Seven Portland has scored seven goals in the final 15 minutes or stoppage time to grab a draw. Against FC Dallas last on June 11, the Timbers equalized in the 4th minute of second half stoppage time on a cleanup in the box by Pa Modou Kah to grab a point.
101 Diego Chara is the third player to join the 100+ games played for the Portland Timbers in MLS. Back on April 5, Darlington Nagbe hit the century mark in a draw against Seattle, and Jack Jewsbury soon followed. If Chara sees the pitch against Sporting Kansas City it will be his 102nd game.
