On Sunday, another thrilling intraleague matchup comes to the forefront as the Portland Timbers host Club Leon at the raucous Providence Park in the first match of Group E. While Leon is familiar with Providence Park, having played a friendly there in 2016, this will be their first competitive match against the team from Rose City.
With a capacity of 25,218, the home of the Timbers will provide a tense environment for Leon, who will look to replicate their Leagues Cup form from last year, winning both group matches. This iteration of the Leagues Cup may prove more challenging, as Leon will face two MLS teams currently in strong form and scoring prolifically: the Colorado Rapids and the Portland Timbers.
The Portland Timbers enter this season's Leagues Cup looking to improve on their run from last year. The Timbers won a match against the San Jose Earthquakes but lost to Tigres, eventually reaching the Round of 32 before losing to CF Monterrey. Head coach Phil Neville is entering the match with confidence. In a press conference, he said about MLS and LIGA MX,
“Ten years ago the Mexican League was better, five years ago it was better,” Neville said. “I think what you're seeing now is that the gap is getting closer and closer.”
The “Esmeraldas” have been one of the best teams from Mexico in the last 15 years, winning multiple titles, but they come into this match with a record of 0-1-3 in league play. Leon boasts a plethora of talented players, including Mexican legend Andres Guardado — known for his heroics with the Mexican National Team. Another key player to watch is Venezuelan forward Jhonder Cadiz, who leads the team with three goals in the LIGA MX season.
The Timbers enter the Leagues Cup as one of the best offenses in MLS, with 14 goals scored in their last five games. Currently in a playoff spot, the Timbers' new Designated Player, Jonathan Rodriguez, has been a significant factor in their offensive success. The Uruguayan has 12 goals and six assists in 21 appearances for the Timbers and previously spent several seasons in Mexico, scoring against Leon with both goals or assists. Rodriguez is not the only Timber with experience against Leon; Felipe Mora has scored three goals against the team from Guanajuato.
The biggest question is whether Club Leon can turn it around without important pieces like Federico Vinas and Ivan Moreno — who are out due to injury. History is on Leon’s side as they have yet to lose in a group stage of an international tournament since 2014. After Leon' loss to Real Salt Lake in the Round of 32 last season, the team is determined to extend their campaign this year.
