Ahead of Saturday's match at Portland, SportingKC.com caught up with The Oregonian's Jamie Goldberg to preview #PORvSKC. Live coverage starts at 9:00 p.m. CT on FOX Sports KC+ as well as FOX Sports KC upon completion of Kansas City Royals coverage, FOX Sports GO, Sports Radio 810 WHB, and La Grande 1340 AM.
Portland features two familiar faces to Sporting KC fans in Lawrence Olum and Chance Myers. What role have they played this season and could either player feature in Saturday’s match?
Lawrence Olum has been critical for the Timbers this year. Even though the Timbers brought Olum in this year mainly to provide depth at defensive midfield, they've had to rely on Olum to start at center back throughout the season after Gbenga Arokoyo suffered a season-ending injury in preseason. Olum has brought experience and consistency to the back line for the Timbers this season and even scored the first goal of the season for Portland in March. Olum is expected to start at center back once again Saturday against Kansas City. Myers has been in the 18 for the Timbers this season as a backup to Alvas Powell. It is unlikely that he plays Saturday.
What’s been the major changes from this season’s team compared to last season?
The Timbers made two major signings in the offseason by bringing in Sebastian Blanco and David Guzman and those signings have made a big difference. Blanco has contributed immediately in the attack and Guzman has been an asset in central midfield. The addition of Guzman has also allowed Diego Chara to play as a box-to-box midfielder and Darlington Nagbe to play in his best position on the left wing. The additions and the positional changes have allowed the Timbers to get the most out of their front six this year. The chemistry in the attack has also been exceptional this season and the defense has looked solid, despite key injuries.
What’s been the impact of new designated player Sebastian Blanco?
Blanco hasn't yet scored a goal for Portland, but he does have two assists and has looked dangerous in the attack. He has definitely been an asset in helping the Timbers create scoring chances and has caused problems for other teams. He is also a great two-way player that has immediately contributed on defense as well. His addition means that opponents have a lot to deal with when trying to defend a front four that includes Blanco, Diego Valeri, Darlington Nagbe and Fanendo Adi.
What’s been the key to Portland's offensive success (leads MLS with 16 goals scored)?
I think a big part of it is that Fanendo Adi and Diego Valeri are off to terrific starts, though the Timbers have also seen goals from eight different players so far this season. Adi and Valeri are tied for the team lead in goals scored with five apiece. The club has also shown a lot of chemistry in the attack. They have been creating plenty of dangerous chances and capitalizing on their opportunities.
On the other end, Sporting KC leads MLS with only two goals conceded in five matches. What do you think will be the keys in the match?
It will make for an interesting match because of how successful the Timbers have been in the attack and how stingy Sporting Kansas City has been on defense. I think the key for the Timbers will be breaking down Kansas City's back line and finding ways to capitalize on their opportunities. I think this could be a low scoring game where one goal could make a major difference for either team.
What injuries are the Timbers facing and how could that affect Saturday’s match?
Timbers center back Liam Ridgewell has been dealing with a foot injury and has missed five-straight games. He is once again questionable for Saturday and might not be ready in time for the match. Without Ridgewell, the Timbers would once again start Roy Miller alongside Lawrence Olum at center back.
