The Portland Timbers will play their fifth MLS match of the season today against the San Jose Earthquakes, and I’m very interested to see how this turns out. I’m interested because this team is nowhere near full strength. Portland had to sign a goalkeeper midweek since the top three options are all out, the most recent injury being a season-ending one for Jeff Attinella.
On top of that, the Timbers will be without Diego Chara and Larry Mabiala — and are still without key players such as Sebastian Blanco, Jaroslaw Niezgoda, and Cristhian Paredes.