EARTHQUAKES AT PORTLAND

KICKOFF: 8 p.m. Friday at Providence Park. TV: UniMas. RADIO: KTCT 1050. After dropping their first home game of the season in Saturday’s 4-2 loss to Los Angeles, the Earthquakes (5-5-4, 19 points) are back on the road at Portland. The Timbers (5-5-3, 18 points) are coming off a 1-0 loss to bitter rival Seattle Sounders FC. Here are three things to think about as the game approaches: 1. Keeping Portland in a slump The Timbers are winless in their last five games, a tough stretch for the 2015 MLS champions in which they have been outscored 11-4. The Quakes notched a 3-0 victory over Portland on May 6 in San Jose. With the offense clicking of late, the Earthquakes might be in a good spot against the Timbers, who have surrendered 21 goals in 13 games. During its recent rough patch, Portland has struggled on the attack with two goals in its past four games. 2. Will the real San Jose defense please stand up? The Earthquakes defense had a rare bad day against Los Angeles as it allowed a season-high four goals, including one on a penalty kick and another on an own goal from Victor Bernardez. While the Galaxy’s offense features plenty of firepower, including Mexican star Giovani Dos Santos who scored twice in Saturday’s match, the Quakes hold their defense to a higher standard. “Our defending was passive and they took advantage of it,” coach Dominic Kinnear said after Saturday’s loss.“We were disjointed.” 3. Wondo not slowing down any time soon Chris Wondolowski scored his sixth goal of the season against Los Angeles. At 34, the captain continues to play at a high level as he leads the club in goals and assists (five) approaching the midway point in the season. He has 10 goals in 13 career games against Portland.

— MARTIN GALLEGOS