Portland Timbers return to Providence Park this Saturday, May 20.
Despite the scoreless draw on Wednesday night at Real Salt Lake, the Portland Timbers have been enjoying their best performances of 2023 in recent weeks. Currently in 6th place in the Western Conference and undefeated in their last four MLS matches (2-0-2), the Timbers seem to be finding their groove lately.
Minnesota United FC, the team just one point behind Portland in 7th place, will be visiting the Rose City for the first time in 2023. Although also in the middle of the pack, Minnesota has not had a good run of results, standing at 1-5-1 since April 2 before their midweek matchup with the Houston Dynamo on Wednesday, May 17. Although they secured a 1-0 win, it was their first victory in six matches.
As clubs begin to establish their midseason form, here are six key numbers to know:
5
Santiago Moreno has been finding his form. In the match against Vancouver last Saturday, he provided the most key passes (a pass leading to a shot-on-goal) of the matchday, registering five such contributions during his 84 minutes of playing time. He has been instrumental in the offensive surge dating back to the thrashing of Seattle in mid-April.
7
Saturday's matchup with the Loons is the 7th all-time at Providence Park in MLS. Since making their league debut in 2017, Minnesota has been one of the Timbers' toughest opponents at home. In six regular-season home matches, Portland holds a 3-2-1 record against Minnesota, with only a +3 goal differential and 10 goals scored.
34
Having a reliable goalkeeper is every club's dream, and the Timbers have that in Aljaz Ivacic. As one of the most active goalkeepers in the league, Ivacic is once again having a stellar season, recording 34 saves so far and earning his first shutout on Wednesday in Utah. His saves and player of the match performances have been evident throughout the nine matches he has played.
100
Marvin LorÃa made his 100th appearance for the Timbers against RSL. Portland's 26-year-old Costa Rican was brought on as a second-half substitute in the 73rd minute. In 2023, LorÃa has been a burst of energy whether it be off the bench or in the starting line-up. With limited minutes midweek, LorÃa could very well see his 101st appearance against the Loons.
540
Minnesota United FC began the season undefeated in their first five games, with three wins and two draws. Following their win against St. Louis on April 2, they went 540 minutes without another victory. They broke the streak on Wednesday by defeating the Dynamo, but Portland will look to reignite this drought come Saturday.
1,170
Club captain and legend Diego Chara is the only player on the team to have participated in all 13 games this season. "La Sonrisa" has played all 1,170 regular-season minutes thus far, and will aim to add another 90 minutes defending the Green & Gold against Minnesota. Truly an iron man.
