Our prediction for this MLS match:
Portland Timbers
Match Time & Date:
18/08/2019
10:00 PM
Prediction: 1-3
Atlanta United
High-flying Atlanta United are brimming with confidence ahead of the trip to Portland as they recorded back-to-back wins over LA Galaxy and New York City in previous two league fixtures. The Five Stripes have been impressive in front of goal of late and seeing that they are determined to overtake Philadelphia Union in top position in the Eastern Conference, we believe that there is a big value in betting on the away team.
Josef Martinez, who has already netted 20 goals in the MLS this term, is likely to prove a handful for the opposition defenders. The last season’s MVP scored a brace in a 2-1 win over New York City, meaning that the Portland back-line should have him at bay. The Timbers are eyeing a place in the play-offs, but given Atlanta’s recent form, away win should be considered.
Highlighted Player (Andres Flores):
Nicknamed Ruso, Andres Flores joined River Plate youth academy in 2006. Flores played for River Plate’s Reserves from 2006 to 2008 and he was producing terrific displays with los Millonarios. However, he began his professional career in his homeland club Isidro Metapan, scoring ten goals in 95 appearances for the Salvadorian outfit. In 2012 he signed a loan deal with Danish club Viborg, but he played only one game for the Greens.
Andres Flores was then sent on a loan to New York Cosmos and after making eight appearances for the MCU Park outfit, he signed a permanent contract with the club in 2015. The El Salvador midfielder, who is capable of playing as a striker as well, made his debut for New York Cosmos on August 2, 2014 in a 1-0 loss to Carolina RailHawks.
Speaking of his international career, Andres Flores received his first call-up for the El Salvador national football team in March, 2008 in a friendly against Trinidad & Tobago.
Highlighted Team (Atlanta United):
Atlanta United is a Major League Soccer club and they were founded on April 16, 2014. They are based in Atlanta, Georgia and they will make their debut in MLS in 2017. Arthur Blank is the club’s owner and Bobby Dodd Stadium is Atlanta United’s home ground.
Arthur Blank is an American businessman, who is well known for his ownership of the NFL club Atlanta Falcons. The venue was opened on September 27, 1913 and its’ current capacity is 60.316. However, it has to be noted that the team will play first eight home games of the 2017 season at Bobby Dodd Stadium, while the latter nine fixtures will be hosted by Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Speaking of the club’s colors, Atlanta United footballers wear black and red shirts and black shorts with a little bit of gold mixed in. Gerardo Martino, who used to be in charge of La Liga side Barcelona in the past, will coach Atlanta United in the 2017 MLS season. Tata Martino won the Spanish Super Cup with Barca, while making it to the Copa America final with Argentina on two occasions (2015, 2016).
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