Sandy • Nick Rimando doesn't have an explanation for why some of his best performances in recent years have come in Major League Soccer's most intimidating atmosphere.
Below the rousing Timbers Army in Providence Park, Real Salt Lake's 36-year-old goalkeeper has made a habit of putting on a show between the pipes in downtown Portland, Ore., in recent years.
Rimando and RSL carry a four-game road shutout streak against the Timbers into Saturday evening, a stretch that dates to Aug. 22, 2013. The last time Rimando conceded a goal in Portland was March 31, 2012, a 65th-minute goal by Darlington Nagbe in a 3-2 RSL win.
"It's nothing against them or a switch that turns on," he said. "It's just always seems to happen. [I] don't want to jinx anything. I'm not thinking about my shutouts, just thinking about a result there."
While Rimando isn't thinking about shutouts, Timbers fans have been the past two-and-a-half years. During his 385-minute shutout streak in Portland, Rimando has 19 saves in the past four outings across all competitions. It's the type of saves that Rimando pulls off that has left those in timber green shaking their head: The point-blank, the acrobatic, the sensational stops — Rimando's whole repertoire has been showcased at Portland the past three seasons.
Following his seven-save outing in a scoreless draw in Oct. 18, 2014, a staff writer for The Oregonian wrote that when the Timbers managed to fall asleep that night, they were guaranteed nightmares of Rimando.
Reminded of Rimando's streak in Portland, RSL coach Jeff Cassar joked after training Tuesday, "well [expletive], sounds like we should put some money on the game."
The reigning MLS Cup champs might be tempted to take such a wager.
Injury report
Midfielder Javier Morales and center back Jamison Olave went through technical drills, but left training early as the duo continue to work through injuries.
Morales missed RSL's 2-1 win over Seattle Saturday due to a rib contusion and quadriceps strain picked up in the season-opener at Orlando on March 6. Olave played through a quadriceps strain of his own against the Sounders, and scored the game-winner in the 86th minute to seal three points for RSL.
Cassar said he could've pushed the pair to do more Tuesday, but said Morales and Olave are likely probable for Saturday's match at Portland.
"It's just taking the right steps," Cassar said. "Rather than constantly testing [the injuries], we just want to make sure they're moving forward."
Timbers add Mattocks
Portland coach Caleb Porter has another dynamic talent up front. The Timbers acquired Vancouver winger Darren Mattocks on Monday in exchange for targeted allocation money, general allocation money and an international roster slot in 2017.
The 25-year-old Jamaican scored 19 goals during his four years with the Whitecaps.
"I always thought he was a dangerous player," Portland center back Nat Borchers told the Tribune. "If he's confident, he's going to be great for us. Caleb Porter is the king of knowledge and making players betters, so if anyone's going to make him successful, it'll be Caleb."
ckamrani@sltrib.com
Twitter: @chriskamrani
Donate to the newsroom now. The Salt Lake Tribune, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity and contributions are tax deductible