Rapids 1 - 0 Timbers
Final
  for this game

Rapids hoping to return to win column against Timbers

Jun 10, 2011 - 8:14 PM Portland, OR (Sports Network) - The Portland Timbers return home to Jeld-Wen Field on Saturday to take on the Colorado Rapids for the second time this season.

In Portland's inaugural game in MLS, the Rapids handed the Timbers a 3-1 defeat, but the rematch comes at Jeld-Wen, where John Spencer's club has won five of its first six games.

The Timbers won their first five home games this season before a 3-2 defeat to D.C. United snapped the streak. And now, after a 1-0 loss at Chivas USA last time out, Portland will be relying on its strong home form.

Goalkeeper Troy Perkins has started seven games this season, and he feels that the team's recent slide is nothing to be concerned with.

"We're still figuring ourselves out. We knew there was going to be some really rough parts (to the season). The first three games of the year were really bad. Then we came home and did well," goalkeeper Troy Perkins said to The Oregonian. "It's like a stock market. It's up. It's down. We have to find that medium where it's consistently at the same level."

Colorado has been very consistent with its results in recent weeks, playing to a sixth successive draw in its last match, a 1-1 stalemate with the Philadelphia Union.

The Rapids took the lead midway through the second half as Conor Casey scored from the penalty spot, only for the Union to equalize four minutes later through Danny Mwanga.

In fact, Colorado has held a lead in each of its last three games, only for the opposition to come back and earn a share of the points.

"As a unit, as a team, they are extremely capable of keeping clean sheets," Smith said of his team. "And when moments like that occur so quickly, that for me is put down to a little bit of nervousness, a little bit of apprehension."

The return to the lineup of striker Omar Cummings would also be helpful for the Rapids as he has been out since May 4 with an ankle injury.

Cummings and Casey combined to score 27 goals last season, but they have only started one game together, the season opener against Portland.






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