Toronto – Portland 16.08.2012

This matchup features the two worst teams in MLS and both teams will be missing players away for international duty.

Toronto lost their last home game 0-2 to Houston so even without certain players Toronto will certainly come out trying to score and trying to win. Portland meanwhile is winless in 12 straight away games (including 5 losses in a row) and have not scored an away goal in 7 games so they could certainly be due to put one in the net at least.

The players missing for Toronto are starting defenders Doneil Henry and Logan Emery, as well as, other defensive options in newly acquired designated player O’Dea and backup Dicoy Williams. Midfielder Terry Dunfield will also be away along with attacker Ryan Johnson. But recently acquired attacker Hassli is still looking for his first goal for Toronto and this could be the chance for him to do it.

Match: Toronto – Portland 01.30h
League: USA MLS League
Our prediction: over 2.5 goals Odds: 1.90
Bookmaker: Bet365  –> Check all free bets here!

Portland has one of the worst defences in MLS with 37 goals allowed in 22 games including 20 in 10 away games…so Toronto should be good for at least one goal, if not more.

On the other side of the field Portland will be missing starting midfielder Songo’o and backup midfielder Palmer as well as backup defender Purdy. So Portland as we see is closer to full strength and seeing as Toronto too struggles defensively (40 goals allowed in 22 games), and is missing two defensive starters, Portland should be able to exploit Toronto for a goal or two.

So looking for a scoreline that will add up to 3 goals at least.