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Portland aims to build momentum against San Jose

Aug 5, 2011 - 1:07 PM Santa Clara, CA (Sports Network) - For just the second time in the team's last 11 games, the Portland Timbers have the opportunity to build on a win.

Portland's recent struggles can be attributed to a number of things, with the concession of late goals, at times a struggling attack, and sloppy play in defense all viable options.

But according to coach John Spencer, the key to the Timbers surprising 3-0 defeat of the Los Angeles Galaxy this past Wednesday was down to one thing, character.

"I asked the guys from the first minute to try and outrun them every inch of the field, and I think we did that," Spencer told mlssoccer.com. "It's a very pleasing result, obviously, after the way things have been going. I think we showed a massive amount of character."

The Timbers dominated play from the opening whistle and took the game to the Western Conference leaders, while also giving L.A. few chances in front of goal.

Part of the reason for an improved performance in defense is due to the additions of Mike Chabala and Lovel Palmer in a trade with the Houston Dynamo.

Both players started on Wednesday night, and according to Portland defender Eric Brunner, both provided some added stability at the back.

"We've got a little bit more experience back there now," Brunner said. "But at the same time, we worked really hard. We put in the shift regardless of who was on the field. Lovel worked hard. [Chabala] worked hard. Dave [Horst] worked hard. It's just good that we're on the same page."

This is a good time for Portland to be coming together with the team set to embark on a three-game road trip beginning on Saturday at Buck Shaw Stadium against the San Jose Earthquakes.

San Jose enters the match one point back of Portland in eighth place in the Western Conference, and the team is in desperate need of a win.

Frank Yallop's side extended its winless streak to nine games with a 2-0 defeat against D.C. United last weekend, and it also marked the seventh time in the past nine matches that the 'Quakes have been held scoreless.

The absence of striker Steven Lenhart certainly won't help the cause with the club announcing this week that Lenhart has been granted an indefinite family leave of absence.

Lenhart is second on the team with five goals while also tying for the team lead in assists with three, leaving even more of the scoring load to Chris Wondolowski.

One thing going in San Jose's favor is the fact that Portland is just 1-6-2 away from Jeld-Wen Field this season, but the Earthquakes must improve in front of goal if they want any chance at snapping their current funk.