There’s nothing quite like a late winning goal to imbue a team with confidence.
Jack Harrison’s 85th minute strike vs. Sporting Kansas City made it ten undefeated in the Bronx for New York City FC as they prepare to welcome Portland Timbers.
It’s the second time we’ll have hosted the side from the City of Roses at Yankee Stadium as East meets West for a game which could have a big say on the shape of the MLS Playoffs in the Fall.
For Head Coach Patrick Vieira, the mood in the camp is perfect and all energies are devoted to putting the Kansas win in the past and focusing on Portland on Saturday evening.
Vieira told NYCFC.com: “When you’re coming out of a game like the one we played against Kansas where we had a good game, a good result, the mood is really good.”
READ:Major Keys to NYCFC vs. Portland Timbers
Portland arrive in NYC fresh from a strong August which saw them win three of their five matches (W3, L1, D1).
Caleb Porter’s men can move to the top of the Western Conference if they replicate their victory at Yankee Stadium in 2015.
Vieira if of the opinion that his side have enough quality to stop that from happening but only if his side produce their best form.
“Portland are a really strong side,” he reflected, “They are doing really well – when you look at the forwards they’re really good physically.
“They play some really good football, they’re good on the ball and they always commit a lot of men forward. They score a lot of goals, so we expect a really difficult game but I believe we’ve got what it takes to give them a good game.”
Patrick will still be missing a number of his first-team regulars for the game but is able to call upon Rodney Wallace who has returned from suspension.
Vieira added: “We played a game on Wednesday and play again on Saturday, so there’s only a small period for players to recover. There will be a few changes but I still have tomorrow to make my final decision.”
