GAME PREVIEW: The Final Five - Can the Timbers Finish at 29 Unbeaten?

Portland Timbers

VS

Rochester Rhinos

7:00p @ PGE Park

Thursday, Sept. 3rd

Watch online @ USLlive.com

Things are getting awfully exciting as the Timbers enter the final month of the USL regular season in 1st place, clinging to a slim 3 point lead in the overall standings. 15 days and 5 games left to be played for the team that's riding the historic 24 match Unbeaten streak. The best part? 4 out of those 5 matches are played in the rowdy and supportive atmosphere of PGE Park. And 4 out of those 5 are played against bottom of the barrel, non-playoff teams (2 vs Cleveland, 2 vs Austin). At home, the Timbers have a 9-0-2 record, having scored 23 goals and only given up 4. So, it appears Portland is in good shape to finish the regular season on a 29 match unbeaten streak, their only USL loss - all year - coming against Vancouver in the opener.

Rochester will be coming into Portland looking to end the streak. Since getting blown out 4-1 at home earlier in the month, the Rhinos have battled their way to 3 draws. Although technically winless in their last 4 matches, this is a team that shouldn't be overlooked. Currently holding onto the final spot in the postseason, but fighting to move up for better positioning, the Rhinos will be a motivated club. The first meeting between these teams was one of the more memorable moments of the year, ending in dramatic fashion on a Ryan Pore penalty-kick goal in the 90th minute. The Timbers will sweep the season series with a victory today.

Defense will be in the spotlight again. The Rhinos like to run a quick and open game, pushing the action up the field to counter strike. They score goals, but give up quite a few as well. Portland will need strong efforts by Steve Cronin and Stephen Keel again, both players making the USL team of the week for their defensive play in the Charleston match. The jury is still out on Mamdou Danso; who hasn't played horribly, but has had some sloppy moments trying to fill in. Will they be able to smooth out some of those kinks before the playoffs? It will be interesting to see if our defense can stay tough during these last 12 days. With veteran-leader Cameron Knowles out, Coach Wilkinson must have some concerns over the depth of his backline, signing defender Ivan Becerra last week. Becerra and fellow newcomer Rodrigo Lopez could both see playing time over the final 5 matches, as Wilkinson might try to rest some legs before the postseason.

After a frustrating match played in the Charleston rain, the Timbers should be eager and aggressive to take the pitch against the Rhinos. Passion shouldn't be an issue today, but even though Rochester stands as the team's most challenging opponent remaining, focus and drive will still be the biggest keys to finishing this season. With everything going so well and Portland riding this long, euphoric wave of momentum, could the Timbers become over-confident? Will they slip up or overlook an easy opponent and actually lose a match? It will certainly be a mental challenge for this team to maintain it's intensity and finish the year playing their best soccer.

Players to Watch

Johnny Menyongar - He's been a scoring machine for the Rhinos with 9 goals on the season. A long time veteran of the USL, Menyongar has been putting up points for years, helping Minnesota win the league championship in 2003. You always have to keep an eye on him.

Tiger Fitzpatrick - The Rochester midfielder with the cool hair will be a key player in today's matchup. The midfield is where the game is won and Fitzpatrick's versatility, vision, and speed will have to be met head-on by guys like Mcmanus and Farber (Claesson is questionable with a concussion). Tiger has 2 goals and 5 assists on the year.

Warren Ukah - The young 24 yr old forward just signed with the Rhinos in July, leaving his last team, the Portland Timber's U-23 club. Ukah has played well since joining Rochester, scoring 3 goals and recording an assist as well. Look for him to force the issue - he's already blasted 17 shot attempts, but also has been blown for 14 fouls.