FC Cincinnati vs Portland Timbers Predictions

Another year, and another team enters the MLS fray. FC Cincinnati made their MLS debut with a daunting trip to Seattle Sounders a couple of weeks ago, where their hopes of a promising debut campaign were left in serious doubt.

The Sounders hammered them 4-1 despite going 1-0 down early on, leaving Cincinnati wondering what they’ve gotten themselves in for. Fortunately for them, they did manage to bounce back with a very impressive draw away to Atlanta United last weekend, so all hope is not lost yet.

The newcomers will be relying on the expertise of some MLS veterans in this campaign. Fanendo Adi, Kendall Waston, and Greg Garza were all brought in as Cincinnati tried to build a team focused on defensive stability. Having conceded five goals in their opening two games though, it looks like it might take some time for their defensive strategy to yield rewards.

Portland Timers will be hoping to take advantage of this on Sunday. The came within touching distance of another MLS Cup last season and now face a very difficult opening run of games. Providence Park is closed for renovation, leaving Timbers wandering around the country to play each of their opening 12 games on the road.

So far, it hasn’t gone very well. They  played out a thrilling 3-3 draw at Colorado Rapids in gameweek one, but even that can be considered a disappointing result when you take into account that Rapids were reduced to 10 men before the half hour mark.

Portland followed that with a 4-1 demolition at the hands of LAFC last weekend, so it’s clear they have a lot to work on defensively. This, combined with Cincinnati’s poor showing at the back so far, makes a high scoring game look promising.

They have seen an average of 4.5 goals per game in their combined four matches this season, and with nine of Timbers’ last 10 away games in the MLS seeing at least three goals scored we’re backing Over 2.5 Goals along with a 2-2 correct score prediction.