The Opponent
The Timbers became well-acquainted with the Loons on Sunday, and, having been in Minnesota since last Saturday, are becoming quite familiar with their home turf as well.
The Loons played what amounted to their first choice lineup in the league game, but they were without Darwin Quintero, who was suspended due to yellow card accumulation. He'll be back in the playmaker role underneath Angelo Rodriguez tonight, pushing Kevin Molino to a wide position or back to the bench.
If Adrian Heath wants to keep Molino in the team, Miguel Ibarra — who struggled badly on Sunday and was substituted in the second half — is the likeliest player to lose his place.
Minnesota has reached this semifinal juncture of the Open Cup with home wins over Sporting Kansas City and New Mexico United on either side of a stirring, three-goal comeback victory in Houston in the Round of 16. To reach a first final as an MLS club on home soil would be quite an achievement for Adrian Heath.
The Tactics
Sunday's game was a relatively even, back-and-forth affair, even if it was slowed somewhat by the conditions in which it was played. Tonight's contest should follow a similar pattern.
The Timbers were significantly better going forward once Jeremy Ebobisse entered the game in the second half on Sunday, and he's almost certain to start tonight. That's particularly good news for Brian Fernandez, who struggled to find the game as a lone striker three days ago.
The key for Minnesota defensively in the league game was containing the Timbers in transition, which was a clear focus and one that they executed well. Ike Opara was a big reason why, as was the diligence of Osvaldo Alonso and Jan Gregus in central midfield.
Where the Loons were decidedly less effective was going forward. Quintero's return should help in that regard, but they're going to need better service from wide areas to be at their most effective tonight. Romain Métanire is a player to watch attacking from right back.
Chances are that Minnesota will need more than one goal. Neither Diego Valeri nor Sebastian Blanco were at their best on Sunday, and without the sun as a factor, the Timbers likely won't be shut out again.
The Lineup
12 - Clark
4 - Villafaña
18 - Cascante
33 - Mabiala
2 - Moriera
40 - Zambrano
21 - Chara
10 - Blanco
8 - Valeri (C)
17 - Ebobisse
7 - Fernandez
— Marvin LorÃa started on the wing opposite Blanco on Sunday, but that spot will likely go to Ebobisse.
— Central midfield is one place where Giovani Savarese may opt to rotate, center back with Claude Dielna or Bill Tuiloma or fullback with Zarek Valentin are other possibilities.
— There is an outside chance that Diego Valeri might come off the bench, just as he did in the last Open Cup game at LAFC in July.
The Memory
Minnesota has come a long way since this night — their first in MLS, some two-and-a-half years ago.
The Pick
It's the kind of game — on the road, on short rest — that sets up well for the Timbers. They'll win, 2-1, and set up a rematch with Atlanta.
