GAME PREVIEW: Timbers Will Attempt to Clinch the Commissioner's Cup

Portland Timbers

VS

Austin Aztex

7:00PM Friday September 11th
@ PGE Park

Online LIVE @ USLLive.com
Radio 95.5 the Game

With a win or a draw in Friday's matchup against Austin, the Timbers will win this year's Commissioner's Cup, awarded to the team that finishes in 1st place in the USL's regular season. Thanks to Minnesota's surprising 5-2 routing of Puerto Rico this evening, the Timbers 5 point lead grew even more secure in the standings. With another point, the best the competition could do is match the Timber's point total and fortunately for Portland they own every important head-to-head tiebreaker. After playing the Aztex, the Timbers will finish the regular season with 2 games against last place Cleveland before starting preparations for the playoffs, which begin in two weeks. It will be a raucous and celebratory environment inside PGE Park tomorrow night, as Portland's supporters cheer for the franchise's 2nd Commissioner's Cup, the first won in 2004.

Austin is a team that shouldn't be overlooked and they'll be eager to play the role of spoiler. Already eliminated from a chance at the postseason, this is still a team full of young, talented, and hopeful players who'll be looking to show potential scouts that they can play regardless of their team's record. Although, Portland owns the season series 2-0-0 against Austin, both matches have been close, the Timbers managing late game goals to pull out close wins. The question remains whether Portland can maintain its motivation and close out the year strong. Often they've played down to their competition level, struggling with teams that shouldn't be a problem on paper.

The Timber's reliable defense has been their saving grace often this year and last match was no different. Cronin got his 10th shutout on the year and Keel played well enough to earn his 3rd USL team of the week honors. Our offense struggled last match (to be fair Keita had a DNP), but even though they fired shots, it was quality and efficiency that was lacking. We'll see if they can iron out those kinks, although much will depend on who gets the actual minutes on the field. Also, beating a team twice in a row is always a challenging prospect, so expect Austin to give the Timbers their best shot.

With the deepest team in the USL, look for Coach Wilkinson to utilize their advantage this upcoming week, resting some core players and dipping down into his bench. With players like Keita and Claesson recovering from injuries and players Rodrigo Lopez and Ivan Becerra recently signed, the Timbers will continue to mix and match lineups, something their Coach hasn't been afraid to do this season. Although most teams would be envious of Portland's depth, the concern might arise whether consistency could be lost to comfort. In other words, could the Timber's lose momentum or focus heading into the playoffs if Coach Wilkinson tinkers with the lineups too much? Are you worried they could lose their step and get out of their rhythm, so to speak? Either way it will be a gorgeous and warm day in Portland tomorrow night, so expect a packed house, big attendance numbers, and a hyped-up Timber's Army. It's going to be a fun one.

Players to Watch

Eddie Johnson - Austin's leading goal scorer and team leader in shot attempts returned to action against the Timbers last match. The veteran forward took 2 shots at goal on Monday, adding to his total of 54 for the year. He was pretty active last game, so the Timber's defense will need to mark up on him tough, not letting him get in behind the line for runs.

Sullivan Silva - Property of Real Salt Lake, but currently on loan, the 21-year old Brazilian has been a productive and exciting player for the Aztex. He's overcome his inexperience to score 3 goals and tally 3 assists, considered a possible future MLS star by some, he'll be one of the hungry prospects looking to show off his skills.

Miguel Gallardo - Goal-keeping will be a big key. With the end of the season close and a somewhat meaningless matchup against a bad team, the play on the pitch should be loose and high scoring. Both keepers should get tested, Gallardo will be extra active, as he was forced to make 6 saves in the last match. But who knows? Their last game ended 1-0 in a grinder.