Game 13: NSC Minnesota Stars v. Portland Timbers

Less than 48 hours after their last meeting, the Portland Timbers will again face NSC Minnesota Stars, but this time in Blaine, MN at the National Sports Center. On Thursday the Stars defeated the Timbers by a score of 1-0 at PGE Park with Ely Allen’s excellent goal as the difference. Whatever the game plan was against Minnesota earlier in the week, the Timbers will need to go in a different direction else see another disappointing result.

With James Marcelin on a red card, Gavin Wilkinson will have to feature yet another starting XI in Minnesota. Considering his penchant for try-outs this season, it probably would’ve been a different line-up anyway. But missing Marcelin could be troubling as the Haitian has been a fairly solid defensive midfielder this season. Despite all the changes, his place in the line-up has been secure. His absence cold give Wilkinson the opportunity to play a very attacking XI, similar to the group that started against Sonoma County in the Open Cup last week. What the Timbers need more than anything at this point is a few goals to relieve the pressure of failure and give them a chance to open up their play. A dose of confidence, even from a lucky goal, would go a long way. If Portland lose again to Minnesota, their chances of reaching the playoffs will be in serious trouble, even before the half-way point of the season.

Category: Portland Timbers, USSF Division II