Preview: Portland Timbers vs. Dallas – Prediction, Team News, Lineups

They need a single point to secure a spot in 2024 MLS Cup playoffs, the Portland Timbers host Dallas on Sunday at Providence Park.

A 1-0 loss to Austin FC in midweek left the Timbers in ninth place in the Western Conference, eight points ahead of the Toros, who were beaten 3-2 by the San Jose Earthquakes and officially out of contention for the season have been eliminated.

Game preview

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On Wednesday, the Timbers' playoff hopes were temporarily put on hold as their three-game unbeaten streak in MLS officially ended.

This defeat was the first time this year that this team failed to score at home in the competition and the first time since May 2023 (0-1 loss to Minnesota United) that they were scoreless on home soil at Providence Park stayed.

Portland holds a six-point lead in the Western Conference playoff race with two games each remaining for them and Austin FC.

Regardless of how their last two domestic encounters end, Phil NevilleThe Manchester United side is likely to be post-season tied as Austin cannot overtake them in points or wins, while the Timbers' goal difference is currently +9 and the Verde and Black are at -9.

The Timbers haven't lost consecutive MLS games at Providence Park in the same season since 2019, a streak that was in jeopardy on Sunday.

They have not lost a regular home game against the Toros at Providence Park since the 2016 domestic season (3-1).

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For the first time since 2021, the Toros will not participate in the MLS Cup playoffs this year and suffered a 15th regular season loss on Wednesday.

Peter Luccin With two more games to prove that he deserves to be the team's full-time manager next year, the interim coach has won just one of his last six league games as manager (3-1 against Los Angeles FC).

Luccin have lost their last three away games in the competition, their last two defeats against the visitors being 3-2.

Close losses have been a theme for this team throughout the 2024 season, with 10 of their 15 MLS defeats coming by a single goal.

Another game this weekend would set a new club record for most games in a single regular season at 34 games, surpassing the previous mark set in 2021 (15).

If they fail to pick up more points this season, the Toros will have amassed just 34 points in 2024, equal to their second-worst record ever in a 34-game season.

Portland Timbers Major League Soccer form:

Dallas Major League Soccer form:

Team news

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In their loss to Austin, the Timbers were left without one Mason Toye due to a back injury while David Ayala returned on Wednesday from a lower body problem and played until the final minutes before being replaced by Tega Ikoba.

Ayala was one of three rookies in the starting lineup this week as he, Claudio Bravo And Evander came in Miguel Araujo, Christian Paredes And Anthony.

The Toros were missing on Wednesday Liam Fraser due to a leg problem, Paxton Pomykal is out for the season with a left knee injury Geovane Jesus recovering from a torn cruciate ligament.

Goals from Alan Velasco And Sebastien Ibeagha Ultimately, the midweek game against San Jose proved futile for Dallas.

Possible Portland Timbers starting lineup:
Crepeau; Mosquera, Zuparic, Miller, Bravo; Chara, Ayala; Antony, Evander, Rodriguez; Mora

Dallas possible starting lineup:
bricklayer; Tafari, Ibeagha, Farfan; Ruan, Illarramendi, Lletget, Arriola; Velasco; Kamungo, Ferreira

We say: Portland Timbers 3-0 Dallas

Dallas has been weak defensively for much of the season and will face a plethora of offensive weapons this weekend that we think will ultimately be too much for them.

For data analysis of the most likely outcomes, scores and more for this game, please click here.

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