Photo by Steve Dykes/USA TODAY Sport
By RYAN TOLMICH
Despite being on opposite ends of the current MLS playoff spectrum, the Portland Timbers and D.C. United enter Tuesday night’s CONCACAF Champions League action with an eye on the knockout round.
Both sides head into Tuesday undefeated in CCL play, although the Timbers still have everything to play for as the team heads down to Honduras to take on Olimpia, who they previously topped, 4-2, within the friendly confines of Providence Park.
The Timbers face a favorable scenario for advancement, as either a win or a draw would secure a spot in the knockout stages. Even a one-goal loss would be good enough to see the Timbers through via a tiebreaker.
In addition to advancement, the Timbers could go so far as lock up the top overall seed in the next stage, as the team currently stands out with Mexico’s Pachuca as the two teams who can finish with the highest goal differential amongst those who could finish with all 12 points.
However, the Timbers team choices will certainly be somewhat limited given that the club is currently fighting for their postseason hopes with just one game remaining. With Saturday’s clash with FC Dallas looming, the Timbers will likely put forth a weakened lineup in an effort to qualify for the MLS postseason.
On the other hand, D.C. United have no such worries, as the Eastern Conference leaders have secured a spot in both the MLS playoffs and the CCL knockout rounds.
Despite already locking up a spot, D.C. United still have plenty to play for, as a victory would ensure the team a top-four seed in the next round. That victory will have to come in Panama Tuesday during a visit to Tauro FC.
D.C. United previously dispatched the Panamanian team 2-0 at RFK Stadium and will be heavily favored to do so again at Tauro’s Estadio Rommel Fernández. Although it may count for just seeding, Tuesday’s action will provide D.C. United with a valuable lesson on what it takes to win in Central America as the club heads into the tournament’s later stages.
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What do you think of tonight’s CCL action? What lineups do you expect to see? How do you see tonight’s action unfolding?
Share your thoughts below.
Wow, did he bother to do any research for this post?
DC sent a total second string line-up, even second string coaches. Not worth mentioning?
And yet…a win.
pretty even field in CCL this year. going to come down to goal differential to separate the top seeds from the bottom ones. Usually getting the higher seed is a big advantage but this year we could have Club America, Saprissa and Cruz Azul as the 6-8 seeds.
These last games will be a real test for Portland and Kansas City. if they can go to Honduras/Costa Rica and play for a draw or better they are in. Portland has to win this weekend in league play to stay alive in MLS (and then rely on the Rapids..) Good luck to them.
The best two games will be Alajunelense vs Cruz Azul and America vs Communicaciones –> basically winner advances.
Still, it would be nice to have the top seed and play every second game at home.
“…the Timbers will likely put forth a weakened lineup in an effort to qualify for the MLS postseason.
On the other hand, D.C. United have no such worries…”
And yet, Portland sent nearly a full roster (granted, they are going direct to Dallas afterward) and DC sent a reserve team.
Ben Olson didn’t even make the trip.