Preview: Minnesota United FC at Portland
March 3, 2017 at 7:16AM
Preview: The teams tied 2-2 in a preseason match Feb. 12, also in Portland. … With Friday's game opening the league schedule and United's inaugural season, expect an electric atmosphere. … Portland finished seventh in the Western Conference last season at 12-14-8.
Players to watch: United is full of unknowns, with so many new signings and players making MLS debuts. Look for how center-back Vadim Demidov anchors the defense and the whole team as captain. See if Johan Venegas can re-create his preseason success in Portland, where he scored twice. And watch for big-money signing Kevin Molino on the wing and how he creates scoring opportunities.
Numbers: Portland has three designated players in forward Fanendo Adi and midfielders Diego Valeri and Sebastian Blanco to United's zero.
Not available: Midfielder Bernardo Anor (hamstring) has missed most of preseason. Forward Abu Danladi (back) might sit as a precaution. Defender Thomas de Villardi (ankle) will miss a week. Defender Jerome Thiesson is probably unavailable as he waits for his visa to clear. MEGAN RYAN
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Their 28-point lead got trimmed to two late, but they held on in a Western Conference finals rematch that missed an injured Luka Doncic after halftime.
