The Timbers play Real Salt Lake on Wednesday at the JELD-WEN Field.
After losing 2-1 to Real Salt Lake in the US Open Cup, the Timbers appear confident ahead of Wednesday’s rematch with the Western Conference leaders, the first of three MLS meetings between the two sides.
“If you look back, and I said it after the game, if we finish our chances it’s a different game,” Timbers head coach Caleb Porter said. “It very easily could have been 2-1 the other way, and if we play the same way I think we’ll be in good shape.”
The Timbers did squander a number of chances, and were unable to make their superior possession count, something Porter hopes they will rectify this time round.
“In Salt Lake we went out and we attacked and pressed and got on the ball,” Porter said. “Obviously that shows in the trends of the match, with the possession we had and with the shots we had.”
The Timbers will be confident playing on their home turf, where they hold a 7-1-3 record this season and face a weakened Salt Lake side who are without captain Kyle Beckerman. Three points for the Timbers would take them to 41 points, equal to that of Salt Lake.
“If anything at home we’re just a notch more aggressive and proactive [at home]; I think that’s because you have the energy and the crowd and psychologically that gives you a bit more lift,” Porter said. “And I’ve seen that with this crowd. We’ve built a fortress at home, and we’ve been really difficult to beat. I think the guys have an aura, a bit of a swagger, especially when they’re at home.”
Source: MLSSoccer.com
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