Matchday | Timbers head to the Wasatch Front for a Saturday evening showdown with Real Salt Lake

Portland visits Rio Tinto Stadium looking to continue its unbeaten start to the season

The Timbers are coming off of an impressive away draw in New England last weekend, a result that extended their unbeaten start to the 2023 season to three matches

Portland will look to keep that momentum going on Saturday evening when they travel to Rio Tinto Stadium to take on Real Salt Lake.

RSL has had a bit of a rough start to the season, sitting at 0-2-2 through their first four matches.

However, they are always a tough opponent at home, and the Timbers will need to be at their best to come away with a result.

Here are three things to watch for in Saturday's match:

1. The Timbers' attack against RSL's defense

The Timbers have been one of the most dangerous attacking teams in MLS so far this season, scoring seven goals in their first three matches.

RSL, on the other hand, has allowed six goals in their first four matches.

This matchup should be a good test for both teams, and it will be interesting to see who can come out on top.

2. The midfield battle

The midfield battle could be key in this match.

Both teams have strong midfielders, and it will be important for each team to control the tempo of the game.

The Timbers will likely look to possess the ball and play through the middle of the field, while RSL will likely look to counterattack and hit the Timbers on the break.

3. The home-field advantage

RSL has a strong home-field advantage, and they will be looking to use that to their advantage on Saturday.

The Timbers will need to be prepared for a tough atmosphere, and they will need to be able to withstand RSL's early pressure if they want to come away with a result.

The match is scheduled to kick off at 7:30pm PT on Saturday, March 18th.

It will be televised on FOX 12 Plus in Portland and ESPN+ in the rest of the United States.

Fans can also listen to the match on 750 AM The Game in Portland.