LAFC vs Portland Timbers
US Open Cup Round of 32
Tuesday, May 10, 2022
7:30pm PT
Banc of California Stadium - Los Angeles, CA
TV / STREAMING: ESPN+
RADIO: 710 AM ESPN, ESPN App (Audio), 980 AM La Mera, La Mera
Challenged by a familiar opponent, the Black & Gold are set to host the Portland Timbers in the Round of 32 of the 2022 U.S. Open Cup at Banc of California on Tuesday. In their third appearance in the oldest soccer tournament in North America, LAFC had an amazing start in the third round as they defeated Orange County SC 5-1.
LAFC was eliminated in their last U.S. Open Cup meeting with the Timbers, 1-0 in the 2019 quarterfinals, and in 2018 it was the Black & Gold who took out Portland 3-2 in the quarterfinals. Â
Portland has developed into one of LAFC’s fiercest rivals, and they always bring intensity and physical play in every match-up. LAFC has not defeated Portland since September 13, 2020, in MLS action.
This is the 107th edition of the U.S. Open Cup, featuring a record-setting 103 teams, including amateur and professional affiliated teams from all levels. The fourth round brought in the final eight MLS teams, including Portland.
LAFC comes into the match off an excellent MLS start in the first 10 weeks with a league best 7-1-2 (23 points) record, as they remain in the top spot in the 2022 Supporters Shield rankings and are still undefeated at Banc of California Stadium.
This is the first game of the Open Cup tournament for Portland, who are coming off a 1-1 tie with New England last weekend and own a 2-3-6 (12 points) record in MLS play.
PORTLAND TIMBERS IN-DEPTH
The Timbers were led in scoring last season by Dairon Asprilla, and he has two goals this year. 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. Aljaz Ivacic is getting every opportunity to step up as the every day goalkeeper for Portland. The Timbers always like to play LAFC physical and expect this game to get chippy.
LAFC WILL WIN IF
If they get clinical finishing from their forwards, including Chicho Arango. If they can maintain pressure and make the most of their opportunities - Â expect the Black & Gold to score two or three goals on the Timbers.
PORTLAND TIMBERS CAN WIN IF
They are successful on quick counterattacks and find room for Blanco and Yimmi Chara to create. If Asprilla is able to get free in front of net, Portland can score – and then they will try to defend and hold off what should be a relentless LAFC attack.
Inspired by a show poster from the bands Adolescents - Breakdown - Underdog - Sick Of It All @ CBGB New York City, NY - 9/20/87
