MLS is Back quarterfinal play will close when New York City FC and the Portland Timbers play 90 minutes. In the case of a draw, both sides will settle their differences from the penalty spot.
This inter-conference matchup has been played five times before in the regular season. Portland leads the series history with a 4W-1L-0D record. NYCFC's only victory came in 2016 in Portland.
New York City FC vs Portland Timbers: Match preview
New York City FC
New York City FC barely made it past the group stages by clinching the fourth and last wildcard slot after a couple of results went their way. However, they asserted their hunger to win the tournament by dismembering a strong Toronto squad in the round of 16.
| #NYCFC XI #RCTID #MLSisBack | #NYCvPOR pic.twitter.com/PmBJwnaOmZ
— New York City FC (@NYCFC) August 2, 2020
Attacking midfielder Maxi Moralez showed just how important he could be for the Blues in the game against Toronto. Not only does he possess the ability to score, but he can also facilitate those around him. Forward Valentin Castellanos would agree after scoring his first goal in 2020 thanks to Moralez's assists. New York City will be going into Saturday evening's game with a sense of confidence after finally playing up to their level.
Injuries: Ismael Tajouri-Shradi (OUT, hamstring), Gedion Zelalem (OUT, knee)
Portland Timbers
Giovanni Savarese's Portland Timbers are relentless, and they will look to assert their dominance over NYCFC once again. They outdid themselves in group stage play topping Group F made up of the Houston Dynamo, LA Galaxy and Los Angeles FC. Moreover, the Timbers went into the last game group against LAFC to fight for first place and were able to claim it by tying 2-2.
Our Starting XI vs. NYCFC.#NYCvPOR | #RCTID pic.twitter.com/V14OX1om6D
— Portland Timbers (@TimbersFC) August 2, 2020
Cincinnati FC proved to be a nuisance with their low defensive line managing to grind-out a 1-1 draw. To put matters into perspective, Portland out-shot Cincy 19-12 and had ten corners to Cincinnati's zero. NYCFC are not the type of team to drop back for the entirety of the game. Therefore, Portland should not find themselves in that predicament.
Injuries: Dairon Asprilla (OUT, left knee), Marco Farfan (questionable, left ankle), Andres Flores (unavailable)
New York City FC vs Portland Timbers: Broadcast information
Match details, result and original broadcast info
This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
