Ryan Porteous
LAF
Center Back
Controlled Center Back
Mar 25, 1999 (27)
Right
6'2"
165 lb
Returns to starting XI Saturday
Porteous (leg) is in the starting lineup to face San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday.
Analysis: Porteous missed three matches after being one of LAFC's most productive defenders prior to the setback, accumulating 116 clearances, 34 tackles and 22 interceptions across 21 league appearances. His return bumps Nkosi Tafari back to a substitute role at center-back and restores the Scottish international to a defense that has achieved 13 clean sheets in 26 MLS games this year. Getting Porteous back in the heart of the backline is a meaningful upgrade for an LAFC side that needs its defensive structure fully intact heading into the final weeks of the regular season.
Doubtful with leg injury
Porteous has suffered a leg injury that could force him to miss future contests, per the MLS Player Status Report.
Analysis: Porteous has been excellent as a central piece of his side's defensive unit lately, racking up 47 clearances, 13 tackles and eight interceptions over a string of nine league starts, so his potential absence is an unwelcome development that could alter the squad's usual setup. Without further information about the issue, the Scottish international will remain questionable for the time being. Nkosi Tafari is available as a possible replacement, while the versatile Eddie Segura could also move from midfield to the defense if required.
Busy defensively Wednesday
Porteous made three interceptions and seven clearances in Wednesday's 3-1 victory versus Real Salt Lake.
Analysis: Porteous made seven clearances and five interceptions in Wednesday's 3-1 win, anchoring LAFC's defensive structure and limiting RSL's best chances in behind throughout a match the visitors had just one shot on target in the first half. He covered effectively whenever Ryan Hollingshead pushed forward at right wing-back, ensuring LAFC were never exposed on the counter despite their high offensive line. Porteous has now gone three consecutive MLS matches without conceding more than one goal as part of LAFC's defensive core.
Decent outing at back
Porteous generated one tackle (one won) and eight clearances in Friday's 3-0 win against Los Angeles Galaxy.
Analysis: Porteous won six of his seven aerial duels in Friday's 3-0 El Trafico win, repeatedly clearing danger from Galaxy set pieces and long balls as Los Canaleros limited their opponents to just two shots on target for the match. He also made eight clearances, one block and one tackle, helping LAFC maintain the clean sheet that extended their lead as the best defensive unit in MLS this season.
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