Matchday @Red Bull Arena: Red Bulls vs Timbers

Back to the Cathedral!

Good morning! The Portland Timbers come to the Cathedral of Football for the first visit since they foolishly decided to trade one Kenny Fuckin' Cooper to the Red Bulls. We all know what has happened since: 13 goals for New York, the firing of John Spencer and a comfortable spot at the bottom of the West for Portland. So what is the prognosis for the clash tonight? (7:00pm ET, Galavision, match notes here).

Portland is winless over seven games but comes off a rare away point, having tied Toronto at BMO Field on Wednesday. Hopefully that effort will have the timbers on tired legs as the Red Bulls seek to extend their head-to-head dominance (1-0-1 all time).

The Red Bulls are as healthy as they have been in recent memory, missing only Ryan Meara with his lingering hip injury and Rafa Marquez, who continues to build his legacy of disappointing New York fans. Having a nearly full squad appears to be paying early dividends. New addition Tim Cahill--who was key to both goals last week--says that practice has been intense with "crunching tackles." let's hope that aggressive attitude is evident on the pitch tonight. Now, the predictions:

Matt Conroy (aka Who Shot Sam) has this:

There is no way on earth we should lose at RBA to Portland, who have been downright awful on the road this season. With Cahill in the fold, as well as Lloyd SAM (yes, I'm buying the shirt, even if he sucks), this team should absolutely smash what is arguably the league's worst team. So why don't I feel confident? I see us winning in a squeaker. 2-1 with goals from Le Toux and Henry.

I'm feeling confident going into this one--never a good sign. Hopefully Backe will figure out which combination of our 3,492 midfielders should be starting. Gaudette's tremendous form in Puerto Rico's friendly vs Spain this week has to give added confidence. If he makes the right choices, I think the Red Bulls should handle Portland relatively easily, and will come away with another 2-0 victory.

David Kilpatrick (aka Dr.K.) has this for us:

We're strong enough at home to chop the Timbers into sawdust.  4-1 w Henry celebrating a hat trick for his (belated) birthday.

Last, but certainly not least, Homebrew Tim sez:

Red Bulls at home should take care of Portland handily, which is why they'll struggle. Still, they'll pull out a 3-1 win in the end. Coop against his former squad, and Henry with two, including a late one that makes it look easier than it was.

We'll see you tonight! VIVA TOROS ROJOS!

Matchday @Red Bull Arena: Red Bulls vs Timbers