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Struggling Timbers welcome road-averse Red Bulls
The Portland Timbers (10-9-9, 39 points) are clinging to the seventh spot in the Western Conference playoff picture but have gone winless in four straight matches. On Saturday night, they host the New York Red Bulls (11-11-7, 40 points), who are fighting for an Eastern Conference playoff berth but haven’t won on the road since May 24.
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Both teams are desperate: Portland is just three points clear of ninth-place Colorado, while New York sits two points behind Chicago for the final playoff spot in the East.
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Portland Timbers Can Win If…
- They finish chances. With only six goals in their last eight matches, the Timbers need someone besides Kevin Kelsy (7 goals) to step up.
- Home form holds. Portland has been stronger at Providence Park, and with a playoff spot on the line, the crowd could lift them.
- Avoid late lapses. The 85th-minute equalizer at Minnesota was another example of dropped points that can’t happen Saturday.
“We’re excited about the last six games. They’re all finals. They’re all big games,” coach Phil Neville said.
New York Red Bulls Can Win If…
- They break the road curse. At 1-9-4 away this season, New York has to prove it can finish matches outside Red Bull Arena.
- Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting delivers. With 15 goals, he’s the clear threat, but he missed a crucial chance in the 0-0 draw vs Columbus.
- Stay mentally strong. Sandro Schwarz emphasized unity, which is key after back-to-back scoreless outings.
“Now is not the moment to think about last year, only to keep the focus. We have five games to go in this season, and we’ll try everything,” Schwarz said.
Key MLS Betting Trends
| Category | Timbers | Red Bulls |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 10-9-9 (7th West) | 11-11-7 (10th East) |
| Last 10 Matches | 1-4-5 | 3-3-4 |
| Goals Per Match | 1.2 (scored 6 in last 8) | 1.3 (shut out in 2 straight) |
| Goals Allowed | 1.6 | 1.4 |
| Road/Home Form | Better at home | 0-4-2 in last 6 road games |
The Leans
Main Pick: Draw (+240)
Projected Final Score: Timbers 1, Red Bulls 1
- Moneyline Angle: Slight lean Portland (+130) given New York’s dreadful road form.
- Total Goals Angle: Under 2.5 (-110) — both sides have struggled to score lately, making a cagey match more likely.
Get sharper calls like this at our MLS Betting Predictions hub.
Best Bet Box
Best Bet: Under 2.5 Goals (-110)
Confidence: ★★★★☆
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