Deadspin: Timbers take down Dynamo, enter Decision Day finale with playoff shot
Portland builds winning streak
David Da Costa, Kristoffer Velde and Vincent Janssen scored for Portland in the 3-1 win. Janssen assisted on the first two goals, while Da Costa’s corner kick set up Janssen’s header for the final score.
The victory was Portland’s third in a row. The Timbers now have 43 points, matching Colorado and Seattle but sitting ahead of both in eighth place in the West.
Three goals decide match
Da Costa opened the scoring in the 25th minute, finishing Janssen’s pass with a close-range shot into the upper-left corner. Velde doubled Portland’s lead in the 65th minute after Janssen played him through two defenders.
Houston pulled one back six minutes later when Austin Bouzat scored from the top of the box. Portland restored its two-goal cushion in the 78th minute, as Janssen headed home Da Costa’s corner.
Playoff place at stake
Portland will travel to Austin FC next Saturday on Decision Day, with a chance to clinch a playoff place. The Timbers have scored nine goals across their three-match winning streak.
Houston remains in the postseason field despite the loss, with 51 points and fifth place in the conference. Goalkeeper Blake Gillingham made three saves in his first start and second appearance of the season; Portland goalkeeper James Pantemis did not make a save.
Key points
- Portland won its third straight match, defeating Houston 3-1.
- The Timbers moved into eighth place with 43 points, ahead of Colorado and Seattle on the standings.
- Portland visits Austin FC next Saturday and can clinch a playoff spot.
- Houston had already clinched a playoff berth before falling to fifth place.