Colorado Rapids vs. Portland Timbers – Three Questions With Stumptown Footy

BW: After scoring two goals in two games, we'll make sure to keep an eye on Gaston Fernandez. What other newcomers to the Timbers might make a big impact on Saturday?

BW: Tactically, what is the best way to break the Timbers down? What's the team's greatest weakness? Conversely, what's their greatest strength? Does it count as more than three questions if I ask multiple every number?

The strengths are when everything is clicking and the inverse of everything described above is true: Smart, complementary play by holding midfielders, center backs holding their own, one or both fullbacks bombing forward to provide width and four talented attackers combining near the box.

BW: Last season, Portland had 15 ties in 34 games. So far this year, they're two for two. Why do Porter's Timbers teams get so many draws? Do you think the mythical 34-tie season is going to be in play this year?

SF: The Timbers are slow starters in terms of goal scoring under Porter. He's a fantastic tactician and his adjustments at halftime often yield second half results. But not necessarily wins. I really can't explain how so many games finish level but now 17 of 36 regular season games under Porter have ended level. Most folks in Portland would probably prefer to see more home games finish with three points than one but taking a point from away games is perfectly acceptable. These two teams played to a 2-2 in March of last season and a somewhat similar outcome would not be overly surprising again this weekend.

Injuries:

Rodney Wallace OUT (ACL surgery recovery)

Steven Evans OUT (back)

Kalif Alhassan DOUBTFUL (groin strain)

Thanks again to Micheal, check out Stumptown Footy for any Timbers info you need going into the game on Saturday.