Venue:
Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Time:
7:30 PM, 3/18
Watch on:
MLS Season Pass on Apple TV
Atlanta United Preview:
Atlanta returns to the Benz after a dominant 3-0 win against Charlotte FC. For the first time for a full match this year, the Five Stripes put together a complete performance. Some scary moments defensively may have been of worry, but Brad Guzan came away from the match with a clean sheet, Franco Ibarra and Amar Sejdic put together a masterclass in the middle, and the attacking line was dominant and looked dangerous. Caleb Wiley was also the best we’d seen him, putting up two goals and an assist to win MLS Player of the Matchday. Matheus Rossetto has been listed as out for the match against the Timbers, as is Ozzie Alonso. Giorgos Giakoumakis, Luis Abram and Derrick Etienne may all get their first starts, as well.
Predicted XI:
Portland Timbers Preview
Recent Transfers
The Timbers added Franck Boli from the Hungarian league, where he scored at a decent rate, as a depth piece, but the big signing was Evander. The Brazilian attacking midfielder was signed on a DP deal and had encouraging numbers in Europe, being the leading assister in Europa League. He’s expected to be an MVP candidate and was my pick for Newcomer of the Year, though he will be out vs Atlanta.
Availability
Portland are suffering from an injury crisis at the moment. Two DP attackers in Yimmi Chara and Evander are out, as well as Timbers mainstay (I don’t know that mainstay is the right word— rather, mainstay when healthy) Sebastian Blanco, who, even in his older age, has produced at a very high rate. Striker Felipe Mora is also out, after having a good 2021 and playing just 83 minutes in 2022 as a result of a knee injury. Backup midfielders Christian Paredes and young David Ayala will also both be out, along with forward Dairon Asprilla, and young depth striker Tega Ikoba.
Players to Watch
Zac McGraw
A goal and he’s gotten the starting job… not much you can do at Portland but he should at least be an interesting MLS player to keep your eyes on.
Juan David Mosquera
The young Colombian fullback got a callup to the national team this winter, and has been good this season, scoring and assisting once and creating four chances in his three matches from right back. He’s a promising talent for the Timbers, and may be a bright spot for this injury-riddled team.
Diego Chara
He’s 36 but he’s been arguably the best defensive mid in MLS in recent years. He’s the heart and soul of this Timbers team. It’s as simple as that, he’ll probably be the best player on the pitch for the Timbers on Saturday.
Eryk Williamson
The first and one of ___ non-Colombians on this list, Williamson faced Mosquera in the USMNT’s friendly with the Colombian national team this winter. He’s an underrated player and a quality midfielder.
Santiago Moreno
The 22 year old produced very well in 2022, but is now being tasked with a lot, with basically every player going forward being sidelined. It’s tough to put the burden of carrying an entire attack on a 22 year old, but Portland need it right now.
Nathan Fogaca
It’s tough to say he’s one to watch, but an assist in 136 minutes and him being maybe their best healthy striker option will have to be enough.
Predicted XI:
Score Prediction:
5-0, Atlanta United
Portland is in shambles, it’s in Atlanta, our attack is clicking, we would have to rocket the ball at Guzan to concede… I’m just hoping the Five Stripes bless a proud Irishman with a late St. Paddy’s day gift.
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