The Portland Timbers had better return to their winning ways if they hope secure a home playoff match as the MLS regular season enters its final two weeks.
The Timbers (14-13-4, 46 points) have come crashing back to earth with a three-game losing streak, following their eight-match undefeated run, and have seen their once-healthy lead for fourth place in the Western Conference — and that home playoff game — now down to a tie with the LA Galaxy, with both Minnesota United and the Vancouver Whitecaps hot on their heels.
The remaining schedule is favorable, with all three opponents, including the San Jose Earthquakes on Wednesday, below the top seven and currently out of the playoff picture.
But the Timbers might need wins in all three games to ensure a top four finish. It begins at home against San Jose (9-12-10, 37 points), which is on the brink of elimination from the postseason.
“A little bit more urgency to close the spaces quicker. That for me is the only thing I see from this game in the defensive area,” Timbers head coach Giovanni Savarese said after the team’s 2-0 loss at playoff-bound Colorado last Saturday.
The Earthquakes have three losses, a win and a draw in their last five games, but are 5-16-9 all-time against the Timbers and are winless in two previous games against Portland this season.
Javier Eduardo “Chofis” Lopez has 12 goals and by far leads San Jose in that category this season.
“I still think it’s important to keep adding points even though we wanted to win,” San Jose head coach Matias Almeyda told the club website after the team’s 1-1 draw with Vancouver last weekend. “The team is still showing a positive face.
Felipe Mora leads the Timbers with 11 goals but has been shut out in his last five matches.
–Field Level Media
