MATCH INFORMATION
Date: Sunday, May 15, 2016
Kickoff: 4:30 p.m. (Pacific)
Location: Providence Park (Portland, Ore.)
Forecast: Rainy, 62 degrees
Referee: Hilario Grajeda
Assistant Referees: Jeff Hosking, Eduardo Mariscal Fourth Official: Alex Chilowicz
National TV: FOX Sports 1
Talent: John Strong (play-by-play), Alexi Lalas (analyst), Julie Stewart-Binks (reporter)
English Radio: 750 The Game (KXTG 750 AM, 102.9 FM)
Talent: Jake Zivin (play-by-play), Ross Smith (analyst)
Spanish Radio: La GranD (KGGD 93.5 FM, 1150 AM)
Talent: Josue del Castillo (play-by-play), Ozkar Ramos (analyst)
MATCH PREVIEW
Sunday’s match marks the first all-time regular-season meeting between the Timbers and New York City FC at Providence Park. Both clubs met during the 2015 season, with the Timbers winning 1-0 against New York City FC at Yankee Stadium on April 19, 2015, after scoring the game-winning goal in the 79th minute of play. Heading into the match, Timbers forward Fanendo Adi and New York City FC forward David Villa share the league lead for goals scored in MLS this season, with both players finding the back of the net seven times. After recording one win in its first eight games to begin the season, New York City FC is currently on a two-game winning streak, recently defeating Vancouver Whitecaps FC 3-2 at Yankee Stadium, and D.C. United 2-0 at RFK Stadium.
LAST MATCH RECAP
Despite scoring in the fourth minute of the match, the Timbers fell 2-1 against FC Dallas before 10,381 fans at Toyota Stadium on Wednesday night after surrendering a pair of goals early in the second half. Pressing FC Dallas early in the game, the Timbers opened the scoring when midfielder Diego Valeri scored his second goal in the last three games and third of the 2016 season, carefully finishing forward Lucas Melano’s pass into the bottom left corner.
LAST TIME VS. NEW YORK CITY FC
The Portland Timbers registered a 1-0 shutout victory against MLS-expansion side New York City FC as winger Dairon Asprilla tallied the game-winning goal in the second half and goalkeeper Adam Kwarasey made five saves to earn the clean sheet in front of 21,891 fans at Yankee Stadium on April 19.
ALL-TIME SERIES NOTES
Sunday’s match against New York City FC marks the second regular-season meeting all-time between both clubs. Additionally, Sunday’s game signifies New York City FC’s first trip to to Providence Park.
The lone match-up between the two teams took place during New York City FC’s expansion season in 2015, with the Timbers taking a 1-0 win in their first trip to Yankee Stadium. Recording 12 overall shots in the match, the Timbers scored the game-winning goal with 11 minutes remaining in the match. Goalkeeper Adam Kwarasey recorded five saves in the game, helping the Timbers earn their first away win of the 2015 season.
SCOUTING NEW YORK CITY FC
After recording one win in its first eight games to begin the season, New York City FC is currently on a two-game winning streak, recently defeating Vancouver Whitecaps FC 3-2 at Yankee Stadium, and D.C. United 2-0 at RFK Stadium. In four games played on the road, NYCFC has recorded two wins and two losses.
Playing in its second season in MLS, New York City FC is led by former Arsenal FC and France National Team midfielder Patrick Vieira, who assumed head coaching duties in the offseason. Heading into the 2016 season, New York City added 10 players to its roster, including former Philadelphia Union defender Ethan White. Highlighting Vieira’s squad is former Spanish international and FC Barcelona forward David Villa, who has recorded seven goals in league play so far this season. Alongside Villa is Italian international Andrea Pirlo and U.S. Men’s National Team midfielder Mix Diskerud.
