Prediction 
Odds 
Last Recap 
Top Handicapper 
Picks 
Timbers Seek to End Defensive Woes Against Sporting KC
Current Struggles
The Portland Timbers set an unwanted MLS record last weekend by becoming the first team in league history to allow two or more goals in 10 consecutive regular-season matches. They aim to end this streak Saturday night when they host Sporting Kansas City.
The Timbers (3-7-4, 13 points) are coming off a 2-1 defeat at Minnesota United, adding to their troubling defensive record. Despite Jonathan Rodriguez scoring the opening goal in the 17th minute, Portland failed to secure the win.
“I can’t fault the attitude and the commitment from the boys,” said Timbers coach Phil Neville. “We have been massively, massively let down by individual errors defensively, and until we start cutting out those individual errors, we’ll never be the team that I believe we can be. And ultimately that’s my job to make sure that we eradicate them.”
Recent Performances
Portland snapped a nine-game winless streak (0-6-3) in their last home match on May 15, rallying for a 4-2 victory against San Jose. They scored all four goals after the Earthquakes’ Bruno Wilson received a red card in the 71st minute.
Sporting KC’s Challenges
Sporting Kansas City (2-6-5, 11 points) is also struggling, winless in their past seven league matches (0-5-2). Despite their league struggles, SKC found success in the U.S. Open Cup, defeating visiting Tulsa 4-0 to reach the quarterfinals, with Felipe Hernandez scoring twice.
“For sure, it’s two separate competitions that we’re in,” SKC coach Peter Vermes said. “We need results in league play.”
Last Meeting
The teams played to a 3-3 draw on April 7 in Kansas City. Willy Agada scored twice and Dany Rosero added another to give the hosts a 3-0 lead. However, Agada missed a penalty kick in the 60th minute, and Evander, Felipe Mora, and Eric Miller scored within 17 minutes to help the Timbers salvage a draw.
Match Outlook
Both teams will be eager to secure a win and improve their standings. For the Timbers, cutting out defensive errors is crucial, while Sporting KC needs to translate their cup form into league success.
As the teams clash on Saturday night, fans will be watching to see if the Timbers can finally end their dubious defensive streak and if Sporting KC can break their league winless run.
