Timbers MatchDay: vs. Rapids

Timbers at Rapids

Kickoff: 3 p.m. Saturday at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, Commerce City, Colo.

TV/radio: ROOT Sports (Comcast Ch. 34/734) / AM 750.

Records: Portland is 0-1-2, having tied New York and Seattle and lost to Montreal. Colorado is 0-3-1.

Head to head: Colorado is 4-1 against Portland. At home, the Rapids are 3-0 against the Timbers with a combined score of 9-1.

Timbers’ tale: Rodney Wallace’s late goal gave the Timbers a 1-1 draw at Seattle, and something to feel good about during their two weeks between games. But a win today against the struggling Rapids would arguably do more for the Timbers. First, it would be an away win for a team that has struggled on the road. Second, it would be a win over a team the Timbers probably need to beat several times this season if Portland is to contend for a playoff spot in the Western Conference.

Rapids’ story: Can you say “Ouch?” Injuries have ravaged the Rapids roster. Diego Calderon, Jaime Castrillon, Pablo Mastroeni, Martin Rivero and goalkeeper Matt Pickens are some of Colorado’s top players. Several others, including forward Edson Buddle who has yet to play this season because of a knee injury, are also unlikely to play. Colorado has scored twice in four games, losses to Dallas, Philadelphia and Los Angeles and a 1-1 draw with Real Salt Lake.

Did you know? This match is at the same stadium where a week ago the U.S. national team beat Costa Rica 1-0 in a controversial World Cup qualifying tournament match played on a snow-covered field. There is no snow in the forecast for today.