MATCH INFORMATION
Date: Wednesday, July 13 Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. (Pacific)
Location: Providence Park
Forecast: Clear, 74 degrees
Referee: Allen Chapman
Assistant Referees: Jeremy Hanson, Mike Rottersman Fourth Official: Juan Guzman Jr.
National TV: ROOT SPORTS
Talent: Jake Zivin (play-by-play), Ross Smith (analyst), Samantha Yarock (reporter)
English Radio: 750 The Game (KXTG 750 AM, 102.9 FM)
Talent: Keith Bleyer (play-by-play), Brett Jacobs (analyst)
Spanish Radio: La GranD (KGGD 93.5 FM, 1150 AM)
Talent: Josue del Castillo (play-by-play), Ozkar Ramos (analyst)
MATCH PREVIEW
Playing their second game in four days, the Timbers enter Wednesday’s match against the Montreal Impact riding a seven-game unbeaten run in league play, marking the second-longest unbeaten streak currently taking place in MLS. The Timbers are coming off a 0-0 draw against the New York Red Bulls at Red Bull Arena on July 10, marking the team’s second consecutive shutout and third in its last five games. With the draw, Portland’s last loss in league play took place on Sunday, May 15. Montreal heads into Wednesday’s game with one win in its last five games, drawing three of its last four matches. Sitting third place in the Eastern Conference, Montreal are led by midfielder Ignacio Piatti, who has 10 goals this season. Forward Didier Drogba ranks second in goals (5).
LAST MATCH RECAP
The Portland Timbers earned an away point in a 0-0 draw against the New York Red Bulls before 19,985 fans at Red Bull Arena on July 10.
LAST TIME VS. MONTREAL
The Portland Timbers utilized a strong second-half performance, receiving the game-winning goal from midfielder Diego Valeri and the opening goal from defender Nat Borchers to earn a 2-1 win against the Montreal Impact in front of 13,020 fans at Stade Saputo.
ALL-TIME SERIES NOTES
During the USL second-division era from 2001 to 2010, the Timbers and Impact squared off against each other 15 times with Portland earning an 8-4-3 overall record against their Canadian opponents. In seven road meetings, the Timbers registered a 4-1-2 record. Overall, Portland outscored Montreal 16-8 before making the jump to Major League Soccer in 2011. After Montreal joined MLS in 2012, the Timbers squared off against the Impact for the first time on April 28, 2012, at Olympic Stadium in Montreal. The Timbers earned their first MLS win over Montreal in 2014, as Portland registered a 3-2 win, scoring the game- winning goal in the 82nd minute at Stade Saputo. Wednesday’s match marks the first match at Providence Park between the two teams since 2013.
SCOUTING MONTREAL
Montreal heads into Wednesday’s game with one win in its last five games, drawing three of its last four matches. Sitting third place in the Eastern Conference, Montreal is led by midfielder Ignacio Piatti, who has 10 goals this season. Forward Didier Drogba, who ranks second on the team in goals (5), ranks first in shots (41), while Piatti ranks first in shots on goal (21). Producing a 4-1-3 record at home, Montreal has only won two games on the road this season (2-3-4), with its last win on the road taking place on April 16 when they secured a 2-1 win against the Chicago Fire at Toyota Stadium.
