One more to go. The Reds travel to Oregon for date with the Portland Timbers this Sunday afternoon. Toronto FC is unbeaten in three matches and is looking for another positive road result before they return home for their home opener at BMO Field next Saturday. Here's everything you need to know about the match versus the defending champions.
Who: Portland Timbers (2-3-3) vs. Toronto FC (3-2-2)
When: Sunday, May 1 - 3:30 PM ET | TV: TSN 4 | ESPN | MLS Live
Where: Providence Park - Portland, OR
Will Johnson’s return to the place where he was once a captain will surely be emotional for the TFC midfielder and Canadian international. “I'm going to try and downplay [my return] as much as I can, but obviously I can't wait to go back and see a lot of people in the stands – those fans were always very good to me – so it'll be a treat,” said Johnson. The midfield battle in general will have a major influence on the outcome of Sunday’s match. Michael Bradley and Johnson have been phenomenal in the middle of the park for the Reds, providing the steel and defensive acumen needed to be successful on the road. Portland’s midfield has been in flux with Porter looking to find ways to stop leaking goals. Diego Chara is the engine in any case, whether they line up in their traditional 4-3-3 or move to a 4-2-3-1 that was used against New England midweek.
Steven Caldwell and Terry Dunfield join Devang to discuss a huge derby win over Montreal, Toronto FC II's recent form and preview Sunday's final road match before the home opener against the Portland Timbers.
- For the second time this season and the 11th time in his MLS career, Fanendo Adi scored a pair of goals in the Timbers' last match, their 3-1 win against the San Jose Earthquakes on April 16 at Providence Park. Adi has scored 31 goals in 64 league appearances; in the 20 games when Adi has scored a goal, he’s netted multiple goals in 11.
- Sebastian Giovinco also did it again, hitting for both goals in Toronto FC’s 2-0 win against the Montreal Impact on April 23 at Stade Saputo. Giovinco has been involved in each one of TFC’s eight goals this season, with six goals and two assists; it was the sixth multiple-goal game in his MLS career (in 40 career appearances).
- Toronto FC won the lone meeting between the teams a year ago, a 1-0 victory May 23 at BMO Field.
- The visiting team have never won in the all-time series between the clubs. The Timbers have won one of the two meetings at Providence Park, with one draw, their lone victory in the all-time series coming there in a 4-0 triumph Sept. 7, 2013 in TFC’s last visit. Toronto FC have won three of four meetings all-time at BMO Field, with one draw.
- REFEREE: Baldomero Toledo. AR1 (bench): Adam Garner; AR2 (opposite): Jeremy Hanson; 4th: Baboucarr Jallow
- MLS Injury Report
