Timbers-Toronto FC Preview

While the Portland Timbers have their offensive motor back from injury, Toronto FC is entering a prolonged stretch without one of the key offseason returnees in MLS.

Toronto's road-heavy schedule shifts back home for three matches beginning Saturday against the Timbers, but Jozy Altidore will likely miss the entire homestand and more because of a hamstring strain.

The U.S. national team forward, who has appeared before a home crowd just once in league play thus far while Toronto (3-5-1) rehabbed BMO Field, was subbed off in the 21st minute of last Saturday's 1-1 draw at New England and could be out for over four weeks.

With this summer's Gold Cup beginning in early July and likely taking him away from club duties if he's healthy, it's conceivable Altidore won't play for Toronto until after the July 26 final. He's scored five of the team's 13 goals.

"In the grand scheme of things, somebody's got to step up and fill the shoes of Jozy and we have guys who are capable of doing it," coach Greg Vanney said. "Sebastian (Giovinco) will continue to find his way to impact the game, as he does, because he's a very clever player. So, whoever the other guy is with him, we'll work on the relationship between the two of them so he continues to get looks at goal.

"... Michael (Bradley), he showed some real power and commitment to run through lines. That will also help free up Sebastian, if we continue to play Michael in advanced positions."

Toronto fell behind 11 minutes after Altidore came off, but Bradley scored his first goal of the season in the 53rd to help secure an impressive away point against one of the league's hottest teams.

Bradley figures to cross paths plenty with Portland midfielder Diego Valeri, who has started two of three matches since returning from an ACL tear. He's yet to play a full 90 minutes, but the playmaker's presence has been felt with a goal and assist in the starts.

Though his helper on Fanendo Adi's goal in last Saturday's 3-1 loss in Houston ended up meaning little for the match, his impact is being felt as the Timbers (3-4-4) try to establish some consistency. Adi is a big part of that and had gone six matches without scoring before last week. Since the start of last season, Valeri has assisted on four of the 10 league goals scored by Adi when they've been on the field together.

"Basically he's the one who makes the passes for me more comfortable," Adi told the club's official website. "He sees me when I make a run, and we've played together, we've trained together, so I actually know when he gets the ball what to do and he knows what he expects for me to do as well. And we have a good chemistry together."

Adi scored in a 3-2 loss in Toronto on Sept. 27 without the help of Valeri, but the Timbers let a 2-0 halftime lead slip away. Toronto's Nick Hagglund scored twice before Bradley got the winner in the 89th.

Portland lost Will Johnson to a broken leg in that match and there's a chance he could make his season debut Saturday after playing in three games for Portland's USL affiliate.

Toronto holds a 2-1-2 advantage in the all-time series, and neither club has beaten the other on the road.