Toronto FC-Timbers Preview

Toronto FC has acquitted itself quite well during a challenging opening stretch of nothing but road games.

One more test remains on its eight-game trip in Sunday's matchup with defending MLS champion Portland, which can counter one of the league's premier scorers with one of its own.

An upgraded defense and the presence of Sebastian Giovinco has enabled Toronto (3-2-2) to hold its own while kept away from the renovated BMO Field for the season's first two months. The Reds have earned a point in five of seven matches and enter Portland on a two-game winning streak following last weekend's 2-0 victory over rival Montreal.

"It's been a very good start for us," captain Michael Bradley said. "Now the commitment from this group is to take care of things one more time in Portland, finish off this first part of the season on a high, and then come back to Toronto really ready to take advantage of some home games."

Giovinco recorded both goals against the Impact and has four over Toronto's 2-0-1 run. The Italian star has six of the club's eight this season.

While Giovinco has maintained his level of play from last year's MLS MVP campaign, Toronto has made great strides on the back end compared to last season. The Reds' 58 goals allowed in 2015 tied for the most in MLS, but they've conceded a league-low five thus far after shutting down a Montreal attack that produced four goals over its previous two games.

"I thought our performance was arguably our best performance that we've had in two years, in terms of front-to-back defensive organization, attacking, creating chances. I thought we were solid all-around," coach Greg Vanney said.

Injuries have left Portland (2-3-3) less consistent on defense, with captain Liam Ridgewell (hamstring) out since the opener and goalkeeper Adam Kwarasey (finger) and right back Alvas Powell (wrist) also sidelined. The Timbers have yet to record a clean sheet this season, narrowly missing one when an own goal in the 89th minute led to Wednesday's 1-1 tie at New England.

"When you give up a late goal, you feel like you've dropped some points, but we still feel like this is a good result and we're starting to make progress with the new guys," coach Caleb Porter said. "Because of injuries, it's felt a little bit more like a rebuild in this early stage of the season, but oncewe get guys healthy and others keep settling it will all come together."

Portland has had less issues up front with Fanendo Adi tied with Giovinco for second in the league in goals. The Nigerian had two in the Timbers' last home match, a 3-1 victory over San Jose on April 16.

Giovinco scored in the fifth minute in Toronto's 1-0 home win over the Timbers last May. The Reds make their first trip to Portland since a 4-0 defeat in September 2013.