The New York Red Bulls and Portland Timbers have both scored 28 goals in 18 games this season, but the Red Bulls should have the offensive edge, especially at home. They have outscored their opponents 13-2 in their last four home games, which they’ve all won. Mike Grella and Bradley Wright-Phillips – one of the league’s top scorers with nine goals – have combined for 10 of those 13 goals.
The Timbers have their own goal machine with Fanendo Adi, who’s tied with Wright-Philips with nine goals. But Portland has scored just eight of those 28 goals away from home, and has had more than one away goal just once in nine away games.
Neither team’s defense has been particularly impressive this season. The Red Bulls have given up 25 goals while the Timbers have allowed 29. But again, homefield has proven to be a very significant advantage for New York. The Red Bulls have lost three of their last four games (all on the road) while conceding seven goals, but have successfully kept clean sheets in their last four home games (all wins).
Portland, on the other hand, has kept just three clean sheets in 18 games this season. Although, they did manage their first away clean sheet in their last match, a 0-0 draw against Colorado.
Writer’s Prediction: The Red Bulls (-169) take care of business at home and beat the Timbers, 2-0.
