Match Details and Discussion Thread: Portland Timbers @ FC Dallas
It's early spring, and the out-of-form Timbers travel to Texas... What could possibly go wrong?
The Portland Timbers (1-1-3) are back in action, and looking to kick-start their season against a hot-and-cold FC Dallas (2-1-2) squad looking to bounce back from a 2-1, 10-man defeat away to LAFC.
Storylines so far
In last weekend’s 0-0 draw against the LA Galaxy, the Timbers picked up their first league point since their home opener win against Sporting Kansas City all the way back in February. It was also their first clean sheet of the season thanks in large part to the goalkeeping performance of David Bingham, who suffered what looked to be a severe hamstring injury in the dying embers of the match.
What does Bingham’s injury mean for Portland? It means that Aljaz Ivacic will be returning between the sticks, which looked to be about as far from reality as possible at this time last week after Giovanni Savarese opted to leave him out of the starting XI:
The developments surrounding Ivacic’s place in the team are certainly concerning. The Timbers just signed him to a contract extension in the off-season after he cemented himself as one of the best goalkeepers in MLS in 2022, and now he has only started one of the club’s five matches in 2023 while alleging that he has been healthy the entire time?
Giovanni Savarese’s response post-match certainly didn’t quell any concerns supporter’s might have about the situation:
Nevertheless, Savarese confirmed to the media this week that Ivacic will indeed start for the Timbers against FC Dallas, but I’m very intrigued to see the body language ‘Jazzy’ displays both on the field and toward the coaching staff.
In other news the Timbers’ injury crisis is still exactly that: A crisis. In addition to Bingham, Marvin Loria also sustained a hamstring injury against the Galaxy, the Timbers’ FOURTH non-contact muscle injury of the season. The pair join Felipe Mora, Yimmi Chara, Sebastian Blanco, and Cristhian Paredes on the unavailable list for the Timbers this weekend, with Evander and David Ayala both questionable for the match as well.
The good news is that help is on the way for Portland. Newly-acquired striker Franck Boli figures to make his debut for the Timbers today after arriving in Portland and completing his first week of training with the club. The Timbers will also have Dairon Asprilla available for selection for the first time this season after the Colombian underwent an arthroscopic knee surgery back in February. Juan Mosquera will also be back with the Timbers after his call-up to the Colombian National Team last week.
Pregame reading
First time visiting Stumptown Footy since the move to Substack? Check out our new digs with Sam’s preview of the match against Dallas here:
How to watch
Location: Toyota Stadium | Frisco, TX
Time: 5:39 p.m. PT
Watch: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV (Free)
Lineups
Portland Timbers
Glad Mosquera is back, makes me hopeful for a decent showing and a chance to steal a point or three. I'm eager to see Boli play so I hope he gets some minutes.
Best outing of the year. We actually had some nice possession for a change. The first half was real promising for the attack. I thought Nathan had a fine match he's probably not an everyday starter as a lone striker but he more than earns his cheap salary. Santi needs to make better decisions on and off the ball, period. As for Jaro, please thank him for his service and ship him out asap. As for Boli, guy came off the bench stone cold and got the equalizer. Anyone else that thinks he should start next match, say "aye". Oh yeah, welcome back to Ivacic. Saved our bacon several times.