Scouting Report On Portland Timbers (Home 2011)

Here at The Front Men I've decided to add a new segment to shift away from the generic match-preview that a lot of bloggers out there do. I call it "Scouting Report". It's basically a lighter run down of the opposing team and where their weakest link is on the field and what kind of football they play, etc. I'll still have score predictions though. 

Scouting Report

Portland Timbers are currently 1-7-3 on the road heading into the Wednesday night clash at LSP. The newest MLS expansion side has seen a decent string of performances in the past couple of weeks and could give Sporting Kc a real run for their money. 

Most Dangerous Player

Jack Jewsbury. The former Kansas City man has been the best player in a Portland shirt the entire season and has netted 7 times and assisted 6 times for the Timbers. 

Weakest Link

Forward line. The front two pairing of Cooper and Perlaza has only scored 9 goals this season. One of the worst forward lines in the league. 

Football Style

Using their traditional 4-4-2 Portland like to use the pace they have on the wings to cause havoc up and down the sides of the pitch. If Sporting Kc have a hope at defending Portland's style of play they will need their fullbacks to be on their game. Which they have been as of late.

Key Match-Up

Portland's Strikers vs. Sporting's Center Backs

Sporting Kc's center backs have been on somewhat of a hiatus in the past weeks with Collin and Cyrus falling to injury. Leaving Cesar and Besler as the two starters ahead of Shavar Thomas. While Portland's strike-force has been dull. Something will have to give for either side.

Prediction

Sporting - 2 (Kamara x2)

Portland - 0

The travel-weary Portland will find it tough to beat a rested Sporting Kc side in the blazing August heat. Don't think for a moment that Sporting will let last week's defeat get to their head.