LAFC vs Portland Timbers
Sunday, March 6, 2021
7:00 p.m. PT
TV: FS1, Fox Deportes
RADIO: 710 AM ESPN, ESPN App (Audio), KFWB 980 AM
The Portland Timbers are coming to town. As we start LAFC’s fifth season in MLS – it is the Timbers who have emerged as a natural, bitter rival. Tough, tense, emotional and difficult battles have been the hallmark of the games between the two teams – and you should expect nothing less than that when they square off on Sunday under the lights at Banc of California Stadium on FS1 at 7:00 p.m. PT.
The Timbers put together a solid regular season that saw them grind out results and resulted in a run through the Playoffs and a spot in the MLS Cup, mostly thanks to the sparkling career-season by goalkeeper Steve Clark. Clark is gone, signed as a free agent by Houston, and it is now up to new goalkeeper Aljaz Ivacic to provide the spectacular shot-stopping that allowed the Timbers to win numerous close matches in 2021.
Portland has been a difficult opponent the last few seasons for LAFC, as the Black & Gold have not defeated the Timbers since Sept. 13, 2020. In fact LAFC lost all three matches to Portland last season, and is winless, (0-3-3) in the last six games vs. the Timbers. The only team to beat LAFC four straight times is San Jose, who did it from Sept. 2020 – Sept. 2021.
LAFC got the Steve Cherundolo era off to a flying start, using a hat trick from Carlos Vela to defeat Colorado 3-0 in their season opener and the first match with Cherundolo at the helm. The Black & Gold need to keep up the scoring against a tough Timbers team who tied 2021 Supporters Shield Winner New England Revolution 2-2 in their first match.
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PORTLAND TIMBERS IN-DEPTH
The Timbers were led in scoring last season by Dairon Asprilla, and he got on the board early in 2022, scoring for Portland. It was their other dangerous forward, Yimmi Chara who scored the equalizing goal vs. New England, and the combination of Asprilla, Yimmi Chara and the talented Sebastian Blanco will be tough for LAFC to contain. Ivacic will have every opportunity in the back to show he is ready to step in and replace Clark in goal. The Timbers always like to play LAFC physical, and expect this game to get chippy.
LAFC WILL WIN IF
They can maintain their offensive edge with Carlos Vela and Brian Rodriguez both looking active and dangerous to start the year. If they get clinical finishing from that duo and Chicho Arango, expect the Black & Gold to score two or three goals on the Timbers.
PORTLAND TIMBERS CAN WIN IF
They are successful on their quick counterattacks, and find room for Blanco and Yimmi Chara to create. If Asprilla is able to get free in front of net, Portland will score – and then all eyes will be on new goalkeeper Ivacic and the defense to see how much they can hold off what should be a relentless LAFC attack.
Inspired by Halo 2 developed by Bungie (2004).
BEGINNING MARCH 6 – GUESTS NO LONGER NEED PROOF OF VACCINATION OR PROOF OF A NEGATIVE COVID TEST FOR ENTRY TO BANC OF CALIFORNIA STADIUM.
- Masking is strongly recommended for all individuals, regardless of vaccination status unless actively eating or drinking.
- Masks are not required in indoor areas at Banc of California Stadium, but continue to be strongly recommended.
LAFC and Banc of California Stadium will continue to follow State and Los Angeles County Public Health guidelines to keep its guests, supporters, club and community safe. LAFC reminds fans to please stay home if they feel sick, have had a positive COVID-19 test result in the last 14 days or have been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19.
