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By Will Conwell
GAME 10: Portland Timbers (5W-3L-2T) vs DC United (3W-4L-3T)
Sunday, May 29, 2:00 p.m. ROOT
Previous match-up(s): None

DC United is one of the most storied franchises in Major League Soccer and have found success in all competitions since the league was founded 15 years ago.

In the middle of least season Ben Olson took over as head coach and inherited a squad that had competed for the Supporters Shield in previous year but now as in shambles. It is no surprise that he has rebuilt the current United squad in his own image, a gritty and determined group that will get results. Only a select few of last year's starters remain, but so far it seems that the changes have been for the better as DC sit solidly in the middle of the table, only a few results away from being in the race for a playoff berth at the end of the year.

DC has been vulnerable at the back so far this year, often allowing their opponents much space to work with, but they have tightened up recently, only allowing two goals during their current three game unbeaten streak. However, while their defense has improved it is the offense of United that has made people take note this season.

The forward pairing of Charlie Davies and Josh Wolff has looked dangerous time and time again, however, both are coming off injuries and will likely either begin the game on the bench or be left out of the 18 entirely. DC's wing play has also been vital to their offense and comes into the game without injury, utilizing the young and skillful Chris Pontius and Andy Najar on the flanks.

Portland will once again field the same line-up before the departure of Futty for the Gambian National Team necessitates a shakeup at the back. Brian Umony and Eddie Johnson are healthy and, having seen playing time against Ajax on Wednesday, will likely lead to a change on Portland's bench. Ryan Pore is a fan favorite, but as the lone forward on the bench in recent weeks he has been lacking. The inclusion of Umony on the bench will bring an explosiveness to the Timbers' late game options.

Troy Perkins will be particularly up for this game after being driven out of town as an expensive mistake by the DC United supporters. Perkins will be eager to show that he is a top goalie in MLS, as he has in the last few weeks with top class saves, including the MLS Save of the Week against Columbus.

STRATEGY
The Timbers have thrived on set pieces recently and will look to do so again against this United side. DC has been weak against set pieces so far this year, something that the Timbers will once again look to capitalize upon. However, on the attack the Timbers must find a way to score during the run of play. The DC defense left huge holes for their opponents to operate in early in the season and, although they have tightened up considerably, they are still there to be found. Cooper and Perlaza will need to be given service and make use of what opportunities they are able to create for themselves if the Timbers want to stay perfect at home.

This will be another trying match for the Timbers full backs, Rodney Wallace and Jeremy Hall. Chris Pontius and Andy Najar are two of the most exciting wingers to enter the league in the last two years. Last year Najar won the Rookie of the Year award while two years before Pontius was in the discussion for Rookie of the Year as well. Both possess a deft dribbling touch and the ability to put the ball in the back of the net, so Wallace and Hall will need to stay on their toes and be sure to keep their marks, particularly around the back post where many of the Timbers' opponents best chances have come from.

TIMBERS GOAL SCORERS
Kenny Cooper – 3
Jorge Perlaza – 2
Jack Jewsbury – 2
Rodney Wallace -2
Mamadu ¬Å“Futty¬Â Danso – 2
Eric Brunner – 1

NEXT 5 MATCHES
6/4 @ Chivas USA
6/11 vs Colorado Rapids
6/19 vs New York Red Bulls
6/25 @ FC Dallas
7/2 vs Sporting Kansas City

BOTTOM LINE
A complete defensive effort by the Timbers will be needed to shut down DC's dynamic attack, while the questionable quality of DC's defense should allow Kenny Cooper and Jorge Perlaza to take control up front. By the numbers the Timbers should win, but DC are much improved from last year and will be looking to be taken seriously by the rest of the league.