BEAVERTON, Ore. — Caleb Porter admits he is pretty much in the dark when it comes to knowing what to expect from CD Dragon, the champions of El Salvador who visit Providence Park today for a group-stage match in the CONCACAF Champions League.
The 7 p.m. match will be shown via Facebook Live on CONCACAF’s Facebook page and televised on tape delay on Galavisi?n beginning at 9:30 p.m.
Porter knows that Dragon sold most of its players after winning the second-half championship of the 2015-16 Salvadoran Primera Division, the club’s first title of any kind since 1953. And Porter said he has a general idea of the formation he expects from Dragon.
Porter does know that getting out of the group stage of the 2016-17 CCL could require winning all four matches. In 2014, the first time the Timbers qualified for the regional club championship, Portland went 3-1 but did not advance to the knockout phase.
“This is a huge priority for us. That will be reflected in the lineup,” Porter said.
The two central defenders signed this week are not yet ready to play and Porter’s lineup options will continue to be limited by injuries. The latest additions to the injury list are midfielder Ben Zemanski (groin) and outside back Zarek Valentin. Porter said that he was waiting on tests to determine the severity of the knee injury suffered by Valentin in Sunday’s match at Sporting Kansas City.
Central defender Liam Ridgewell also continues to have soreness in his calf. His status for the upcoming league match against Sporting Kansas City remains uncertain.
Winger Darren Mattocks will not play Wednesday. He might be ready for Sunday, but a more likely return is the Aug. 13 match at DC United.
Timbers sign Nigerian defender — On Tuesday the Timbers announced the signing of Gbenga Arokoyo. The 23-year-old has played professionally in Sweden and Turkey and recently made his debut with the Nigerian national team. Porter described Arokoyo as an athletic player who was acquired for his future upside, though he could play soon if needed.
To acquire the rights to Arokoyo, the Timbers sent targeted allocation money (TAM) to New York City FC. Portland acquired TAM from FC Dallas for the rights to Norberto Paparrato, the former Timber who signed with Dallas on Tuesday. To make room on their roster for Arokoyo, the Timbers waived second-year defender Anthony Manning.
Steven Taylor timetable — Porter said that former Newcastle United defender Steven Taylor, who has been in Portland for a week, is probably a couple of weeks away from being fit to play for the Timbers. Following training on Tuesday, the 30-year-old Premier League veteran said he is feeling good physically and is eager to play for the Timbers.
“I just want to get on with playing, get the green shirt on and win some games,” Taylor said.
