GAME PREVIEW: Labor Day In Austin

Portland Timbers

VS

Austin Aztex

4:00p @ Nelson Field

Monday, Sept. 7th
Online LIVE @ USLlive.com

The Timbers will be celebrating their Labor Day in Austin, TX this Monday, as the team heads out on the final road trip of the regular season. Coming off only their second loss on the year, the Timbers saw their 24 match unbeaten streak come to end at the hands of Rochester last Thursday. A regrouped and refocused Timbers squad should enter Nelson Field eager to put those disappointments behind them and will have to finish these last 4 games with their best effort. Currently, Portland is 1st place in the standings, but with only a 3 point lead over 2nd place Carolina, nothing is guaranteed yet. Essentially, it's still a 4-team race for this year's Commissioner's Cup, the winner earning a first round bye in the playoffs.

The first and only meeting between these two clubs was back in July, a 2-1 thriller at Nelson Field - Austin getting an equalizer in the 90th minute, but Tony Mcmanus answering with the game-winner moments before the final whistle. The Aztex have endured a tough season, 2nd to last in the standings, gathering an unimpressive record of 4-15-8. They've already played two matches this month, losing both. The Aztex have struggle offensively with only 25 goals on the year, but perhaps worse, they've given up nearly twice as many with 47. On paper, this game should be a cake-walk. However, playing a team twice in a row is never an easy challenge and could be a cause for some concern. The clubs will finish the season series on Friday at PGE park.

With Labor Day signaling the end of Summer, the Timbers' sights will begin to fall on the postseason. Portland will need to be playing their best soccer heading into the playoffs and fortunately for them, the next 4 games can serve as a nice tune-up. After their back-to-back with Austin, the Timbers will finish the season with two home games against Cleveland, currently last place in the league. Hopefully, this will allow Coach Wilkinson to rest any weary legs and help the club gather momentum by the end of the month when it counts the most. Some questions have arisen however - could there be a letdown after riding high for so long on the streak? And after a heartbreaking defeat, how will the Timbers respond? Well, I guess we do know what happened after their last loss.

Players to Watch

Miguel Gallardo - Austin's starting keeper returned to action on Saturday after being out several months with a broken leg. Apparently, Gallardo played quite well, making 5 saves in the match, despite his team's losing effort in Miami. Gallardo should be in net when the clubs take the field Monday.

Sullivan Silva - The Aztex play an aggressive brand of soccer with a majority of their shots coming from their forwards. With their leading goal scorer on the year Eddie Johnson gone, Silva will get his share of opportunities. The young Brazilian forward is not bashful, blasting 42 shots on goal this year. He's found the back of the net 3 times and has also recorded 2 assists.

Jean Alexandre - The Haitian forward has only played nine games for the Aztex, but has already put up 4 goals and an assist. In their loss to Vancouver last week, Alexandre scored the only two goals for the Aztex. Like the Timber's Alex Nimo, the young forward is young, inexperienced, and full of talent. The two are also teammates, both property of Real Salt Lake and currently on loan to the USL.

Last Drop

The Agency Sports Bar located off Burnside Downtown, is having a viewing event for the game on Monday. They'll be handing out prizes, souvenirs, and other junk. A few select Timber players will be there and of course, they've got beer and big screens as well. If you're interested here's more information. Everybody have a Happy Holiday and Go Timbers!