Deadspin: Playoff-Bound Dynamo Can Spoil Timbers’ Postseason Hopes in Portland

Portland’s late-season revival

Portland (11-14-7, 40 points) ended a seven-match winless run with back-to-back 3-2 victories over Charlotte FC and St. Louis City. The Timbers entered the weekend in 11th place in a closely packed Western Conference.

Colorado and Seattle each had 43 points, three more than Portland; Colorado played late Saturday. Portland could be eliminated this weekend in six scenarios, including four involving a loss and two involving a draw, each alongside other results.

With two games remaining, coach Marti Cifuentes said Portland’s path depends partly on other teams. He said the club can still advance if it wins its next two matches, and that his focus was on Sunday’s performance.

Recent goals and pressure

Against St. Louis City on Wednesday, Kristoffer Velde scored twice as Portland built a 3-0 advantage before the visitors narrowed the margin. David Da Costa contributed a goal and an assist. The Timbers’ consecutive wins revived their bid for a playoff place after a stretch of seven games without a victory, in which they recorded four losses and three draws.

Houston arrives in form

Houston (14-9-9, 51 points) has clinched a playoff berth and entered the weekend level with St. Louis City in the standings. Coach Ben Olsen said the Dynamo want to improve their position and reach their best level before the postseason.

Houston has matched its club record with 13 clean sheets. Goalkeeper Jonathan Bond has 12, equaling the individual record shared by Tally Hall, who reached it in 2012, and Steve Clark, who did so in 2023. Houston had conceded 39 goals, the league’s fourth-lowest total.

Earlier meeting favors Houston

Houston beat Portland 3-2 at home on March 14. Bogusz scored the winner in the 15th minute of second-half stoppage time. Olsen said Houston needs more clarity in its play with and without the ball, as well as stronger connections with players who joined later than expected.