For MLS fans, it definitely must feel like the 2016 season just started yesterday. Well, we're now in April and heading into matchday four. And despite only a few games having being played, the tables in both the Eastern and Western Conferences are already beginning to take shape, with some sides still enjoying unbeaten runs whilst others others have yet to even win - or draw - a game so far this campaign.
Orlando City
Orlando City might be one of the newest clubs in MLS, but so far the Lions are enjoying a pretty solid sophomore season. Adrian Heath's team finally picked up their first win of the nascent campaign by recording a 2-0 win against New York City, and will be hoping to make a second consecutive win against Portland Timbers later today.
The Lions will be looking for more than just another three points - they will be also seeking to make it two wins in two versus the 2015 MLS Cup winners. Last season, they beat the Timbers at their home ground in their first ever meeting and will certainly like to repeat that same good result, except this time, at the Citrus Bowl.
And in news that surely will please Lions fans, Heath will be able to finally call upon arguably the team's biggest star. After missing out on the first three games, former AC Milan and Real Madrid man Kaka will reclaim his spot in the starting XI. However, his manager will still have to do without injured trio Bryan Rochez, Conor Donovan, and David Mateos, who have not recovered in time for this evening's game.
Kaka's return to the fold could not have come at a better time, and his presence will definitely provide another outlet in attack alongside young striker Cyle Larin, who has scored in every single one of the team's three games so far this season.
Portland Timbers
Meanwhile, Caleb Porter's Timbers arrive in Orlando having earned a hard-fought draw against Real Salt Lake. It was an ill-tempered game that saw both teams finish the game with less than 11 men on the pitch, and Nigerian international Fanendo Adi proved to be the hero on the evening with a late brace to salvage a point for his side.
Although they started this season off well, things have gone a bit awry for the Timbers, and they will be hoping to arrest this downward trend with a win at the Citrus Bowl later today. Although they lost their first ever meeting with the Lions, they have only lost one of their past 12 games and pretty much arriving with all their key players fit and raring to go. However, Orlando City have become well known for their solid performances at home.
Hence, the visitors will have to up their game if they want to become the first side to beat their hosts at the Citrus Bowl since the New York Red Bulls picked up a 2-0 win July 19, 2015.
Which channel is broadcasting Orlando City vs Portland Timbers on TV or Online?
The Citrus Bowl will be hosting this round four tie between Orlando City and Portland Timbers, but if you are nowhere near sunny Orlando, don't worry. LiveSoccerTV.com has put together some options for you to stay on top of all the action via TV, computer, phone, or tablet.
Here are some choices for fans residing elsewhere in the USA as well as in the following countries:
- In the USA at 20.00 EST on: Fox Soccer 2GO USA, Fox Sports 1 USA, Fox Sports GO, Fox Deportes
- In the UK at 01.00 BST (Monday) on: Sky Go UK, Sky Sports 1/HD UK, SKY GO Extra
- In Canada at 20.00 ET on: MLS Live
Live elsewhere? Check out our special Orlando City vs Portland Timbers broadcast page to find viewing times and options for whever you call home.
*Note: Live broadcast data is subject to change*
Match details, result and original broadcast info
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