Portland Timbers vs Philadelphia Union Match Preview
The Portland Timbers will defend their unbeaten home record when they play host to the Philadelphia Union on Friday.
The Timbers won 1-0 last time out to hand Real Salt Lake their first defeat of the season. The in-form Union have only lost once this season, and can move into top spot in the Eastern Conference with victory.
Philadelphia coach Peter Nowak has taken special measures this week to try and nullify the home field advantage of the Timbers. Nowak had the Union train indoors as he believed it would best replicate the conditions his team will face in Portland. “I’m worried about the pitch because it’s a little bit too small, and when you watch games when they play at home, it’s like pinball,” Nowak told the official MLS website.
Bright Dike and Eddie Johnson are ruled out for Portland, while goalkeeper Adin Brown should shake off a hamstring problem in time to play.
Jordan Harvey is suspended for the Union, while defender Danny Califf is expected to recover from illness in time to play.