D.C. United return from the World Cup Qualifier break for their final away match of the year, an out-of-conference meeting with the Portland Timbers on Sunday, Oct. 15 at 7 p.m. ET. The Black-and-Red will look to leave Providence Park with three points and a boost of momentum before closing out the season and their tenure at historic RFK Stadium the following Sunday against the New York Red Bulls.
Prior to the break, United went 0-1-1 on a two-game road trip, earning a draw in New Jersey after forcing a late Red Bulls own goal, and falling short in Columbus against Crew SC. Sunday, United take on a Portland side vying to secure a postseason berth and home-field advantage during the opening round of the 2017 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs. A win against United would mean the Timbers clinch a playoff spot, while also maintaining a top-three position in a tightly-packed Western Conference. Ben Olsen and co. will be itching to spoil Portland's party by pulling out a win in a challenging environment, though.
"We've got a tough task out in Portland—we'll be going against one of the best teams in the league right now in a very difficult environment," Olsen said. "We need to use this as preparation for next year, and we'd love to spoil anybody's plans that's in our way."
Portland have been dominant at home this season, going 9-2-4, but face an opponent they have yet to see in 2017. United and Portland last met on Aug. 13, 2016, with the Black-and-Red blanking the Timbers at RFK.
United have won only once in four games at Providence Park, but enter Sunday scoring 3+ goals in two of their last three matches, and boasting a back line capable of stifling the Western Conference’s top-scoring team. United's defense will need to remain weary of Portland’s Diego Valeri, who's in contention for the Golden Boot with 20 goals and has helped carry the Timbers’ attack forward after losing star striker Adi Fanendo to injury. With both teams employing a 4-2-3-1 formation, expect a fierce battle in the midfield between Valeri, Luciano Acosta and USMNT teammates Darlington Nagbe and Paul Arriola.
Following the Columbus game on September 30, Ben Olsen emphasized his squad was still “growing” and navigating the difficulty of introducing so many new players to the lineup late in the season. Against a crafty and talented opponent in Portland, United will look to put all of the new pieces together to bring a win back to the District.
"We're continuing to improve with the new guys," Olsen said. "We're still growing and [this weekend] we're testing ourselves against a very good team in a tough environment. It's something we need to relish."
