RSL faces Portland with defense, creativity in focus

Russ Isabella-USA TODAY SportsReal Salt Lake continue a short Pacific Northwest series on Saturday when they face Portland Timbers at Providence Park.

Saturday's match against the reigning MLS Cup champions comes off the back of a 2-1 win over the Timbers' biggest rivals, Seattle Sounders — a win that put the team in a good position to carry some momentum forward.

But concerns about defense and attack — owing in part to early season injuries to Javier Morales and Jamison Olave — are bigger talking points than the last match or last season.

Defense is key, but who starts?

Despite conceding too many opportunities and goals in 2016, Real Salt Lake's defense looks considerably improved over 2016. I…