Short Scouting Report - Portland Timbers

The Portland Timbers have shown themselves to be two different teams this season. When they're at home in front of the deafening Timbers Army, they have played cohesively and brilliantly at times on the way to an almost undefeated record at home with the only blemish coming against DC United in a highly disputed match in terms of the referees making some questionable decisions. On the road, on the other hand... well, we all remember the last meeting of the Rapids and Portland where the Timbers were completely manhandled to the tune of a 3-1 final.

Portland is led by captain Jack Jewsbury through the midfield with their goals coming from all over the place but most notably former US International and FC Dallas striker Kenny Cooper, who has three goals right now for them. Portland's bread and butter this season has been the set piece, so if you're fouling Portland often you can expect the goals to start flowing for them, especially at home. In fact, the only goal we saw from them - and their first MLS goal ever - against the Rapids came on, of all things, a free kick.

Oh yeah, and their coach John Spencer was pretty good when he played for the Rapids way back when as well, or something.

Portland are incredibly dangerous at home and anyone going to JELD-WEN Field should be intimidated. This isn't the same scared, timid team that we saw in March.