Portland Timbers Vs San Jose Earthquakes
The Timbers came out with strong attacking movement from the get-go, including several quality underlapping runs by Santiago Moreno and Franck Boli. They also looked solid in the back, limiting the chances San Jose created on the counterattack.
The match was scoreless until deep into first half stoppage time. That is when Portland’s best player, Diego Valeri, scored the game’s winner.
1. Franck Boli
Franck Boli is Portland Timbers’ newest striker, joining the club from Hungary’s Ferencvaros in mid-March. The Ivorian has a chance to impress in his single guaranteed season at the club, and could prove to be the boost they need.
He’s started both of Portland’s league matches since making his debut alongside Evander in a front two. Boli took multiple shots across those games, including one goal against Sporting KC.
He was also a significant contributor off the bench during the Timbers’ last match against FC Dallas, scoring their only goal as they ended their three-game losing streak. He’ll be hoping to add to his tally against the Earthquakes. He’ll compete with Nathan Fogaca, Jaroslaw Niezgoda, and Dairon Asprilla for a starting spot up front.
2. Evander
The Timbers haven’t lost at home yet this season. And they won’t lose this one either, especially against a San Jose team that hasn’t managed to score many goals. It’s a must-win game for Portland, and they should be able to make it happen with a strong offensive performance.
After a slow start to the season, the Timbers have exploded with a win in each of their last two games, including against the best team in the league. The Timbers’ attack has been a big factor in their recent success, and Evander will look to add another goal to his season-long total.
Cristian Espinoza and Jeremy Ebobisse have scored most of the team’s goals for San Jose this year, but Evander is a solid contributor as well. He’s a top-three player in the league at creating chances for teammates, and the Timbers need him to continue his hot streak. He’s a good bet to score against a porous defense.
3. Cristhian Paredes
The Portland Timbers host the San Jose Earthquakes in a midweek game at Providence Park. The Timbers are coming off a 2-1 win over Austin FC and sit ninth in the Western Conference standings.
Paredes came off the bench to score a goal and win two tackles in Saturday’s loss to LAFC. He could be in line for a starting role if he can return to full fitness ahead of Wednesday’s game with the Quakes.
The Timbers were unable to score in the first half, but they created some chances to take the lead. They were able to get into good positions through set pieces and work the sides of the field. Felipe Mora and Yimmi Chara both had dangerous moments, but they couldn’t find the back of the net.
4. Matthew Hoppe
Before his move to Portland Timbers, Matthew Hoppe was the only American striker to score in one of Europe’s top five leagues. Despite that milestone, he’s struggled for playing time and has had to jump from Bundesliga club Schalke 04 to Real Mallorca in Spain to Hibernian in Scotland in an attempt to get minutes.
Hoppe’s arrival at San Jose, which had to happen before the MLS transfer window closed, is another sign that the Earthquakes are intent on adding more depth to their squad. Hoppe joins Jeremy Ebobisse and Cade Cowell in a group of forwards that’s starting to look pretty good for the Quakes.
Stay tuned to this page for more betting tips, head-to-head statistics, preview stats and more for the upcoming MLS match between Portland Timbers and San Jose Earthquakes. All odds are provided by sportsbook partners and are subject to change. Please be sure to check the bookmaker’s website for full terms and conditions before placing your wager.