Portland Timbers 2 (10-8-12, 38pts, 12th in West) vs. Phoenix Rising FC (22-6-3, 72pts, 1st in West)

7:00 PM, Providence Park, Portland, OR

TV: CW Phoenix

Stream: ESPN+

Matchcenter: #PORvPHX

Last Match

Phoenix Rising

So this might be what a slump looks like, eh? Phoenix stole a point in their 2-2 draw with New Mexico in a match that most people expected to see all three points taken. The continued absence of Jon Bakero, along with being forced to play on some rather small fields have stymied the Rising attack in recent weeks. Be sure to check of Joe Lowry’s excellent tactics recap here for more on the recent struggles and how Schantz looks to make an impact when a change is needed.

With the hope that Jon Bakero is back tonight, Phoenix Rising is as healthy as they have been all season. Though Alessandro Riggi has not made an appearance yet, the only long term injury left from the team is Brandon Kenniston, who was not expected to be a factor anyway. As

So, what does a team do with three games in which, outside of the records being chased, do no matter in terms of playoff seeding? We could see the approach taken last year when the team played an opponent outside the playoff line in Las Vegas, with extensive changes made. Or, since there are no remaining midweek matches, Rick Schantz might decide to go for it all, including the USL points and wins records. We here at Firebird would expect more of the latter with most of the starters playing at least 2/3’s of the remaining minutes.

The Opposition- Portland Timbers 2

While they currently dwell three points outside the 10th and final spot of the USL Playoffs, it certainly was not due to their early season form. Timbers 2 found themselves at the top of the Western Conference in the early parts of the season, going 4-1-1 in their first six matches. However, the summer was not kind to the MLS2 side, as they have only secured 4 wins since the start of June.

Roster wise, Timbers 2 are your typical MLS reserve side. As we saw when they visited Casino Arizona Field, the team relies on help from the first team, up and coming Academy products, and USL fillers to plug the other holes. First teamers Dairon Asprilla and Foster Langsdorf lead the team in scoring with 9 and 7 respectively. USL regulars Todd Wharton and Nathan Smith have brought experience to a young midfield and backline. This year, in particular, has seen more emphasis on bringing in academy products like Gio Calixtro, Ryan Sierakowski, Marco Farfan, and 10 others currently on academy contracts with the team. One player, in particular, to watch out, however, is Eryk Williamson. With a relatively crowded midfield up in the MLS side, Williamson was given the reigns and showed off at the beginning of the year. Williamson racked up7 assists in the first matches of the season, however, he has only had 1 since. Most of that can be excused with his absence to play with the US U-23 team during the summer and bench appearances with the first team. Williamson will likely line-up in an 8/10 position if on the field tonight and will be tasked with both advancing T2 in transition as well as playing the final ball to spring the T2 forward line. 

Timbers 2 weaknesses are exposed in the play of their backline. The team has only kept two clean sheets all year and the rotation of three different keepers certainly does not help. The Timbers 2 backline is especially susceptible in transition based on recent form as well. 

International Break

We are creeping up on another international break beginning next week. Jamaica continues its CONCACAF Nations League competition next Saturday and the following Tuesday. Though not official, Junior Flemmings is expected to named to that roster. 

Projected Lineup

With the USL Supporter’s Shield, sorry, USL Regular Season Winner title all wrapped up, Rising has three matches to prepare for the playoffs without needing to worry about the results. So do the starters continue to go, chasing the various records in reach, or is rest in their future? It would not be surprising to see the front line start again as Solomon Asante is 3 goals and 1 assist away from tying the respective records. If anyone has played their way into a spot in the starting XI, it would be super-sub Joey Calistri, who saved the team last week in New Mexico. But the problem persists, who does he replace? Would he be a better option than Flemmings? Aguinaga? Lambert? He might actually be where he is best suited, an option off the bench that can change the dynamics of the match.

What do you think? Is this an easy win for Phoenix Rising FC? Who will play? Let us know down below or tweet at us @firebirdsite.