Chivas Vs. Timbers: Goats Head North To Portland

Chivas USA (1-3-0) head up to Oregon this weekend, to take on the Portland Timbers (1-2-1) with both teams coming off home defeats last weekend. Portland represents the top of the MLS Western Conference's lower half with one victory and one draw. Chivas represent to bottom of that lower half, with just the one victory. Too early for season defining matches, this is still a winnable match for both clubs and could provide upward mobility.

Last Saturday at home, Portland gave up two late goals to surrender the win to Real Salt Lake. In that game, the Timbers' Darlington Nagbe recorded the first brace of his MLS career, and the second in the club's MLS history. The first came in Portland's first ever home match, when Jorge Perlaza scored twice in the 4-2 win over Chicago last April 14th.

Less impressive is Portland's current tendency to surrender the opening goal. The Timbers have allowed the opening goal in each of their four matches this season. Still, they've been able to recover as the RSL loss was only their second with one draw.

Portland gives up goals but will score goals, while Chivas doesn't score goals and doesn't give up very many. The club is looking to get untracked after being shut out three of their first four matches. They have scored one goal in four matches, tied for fewest in MLS with Toronto FC. Still, Chivas has only given up three goals with every match this year a 1-0 decision.

Speaking of 1-0 decisions, Chivas and Portland split a pair of them last year with each team winning the home leg. Portland also won the U.S. Open Cup match between the two clubs in Portland's inaugural MLS season.

For more on Chivas USA, check out The Goat Parade.