New York City FC Head Coach Patrick Vieira has made two changes to the team which defeated Sporting KC in midweek.
Khiry Shelton and Rodney Wallace both come into the XI in place of Jonathan Lewis and Sean Ugo Okoli as the Frenchman shuffles his pack for the second game in the Bronx in three days.
Elsewhere, it’s the same team which won 1-0 on Wednesday with Andrea Pirlo anchoring midfield behind Tommy McNamara and Maxi Moralez.
Alex Ring misses out with the toe injury sustained on international duty but will be expected to return at Colorado next week.
READ:Major Keys to NYCFC vs. Portland Timbers
It appears as though Jack Harrison will lead the line as the no.9 with David Villa still missing with irritation to his adductor and he’ll be flanked by Wallace who is back from his one-game ban and Shelton, who impressed against SKC.
At the back, RJ Allen keeps his place after completing the assist for the only goal on Wednesday and he’s joined by Alexander Callens, Frederic Brillant and Ben Sweat.
On the bench, Andraz Struna is named in a matchday squad for the first time since signing as a free agent last week, sitting alongside James Sands who could also make his NYCFC debut this evening.
NYCFC are chasing a first-ever home win over Portland Timbers to close the gap on Toronto in the Supporters’ Shield race, while our visitors can go top of the Western Conference if they claim the three points.
READ:How to Follow NYCFC vs. Portland Timbers
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