MLS: Breaking down the Western Conference Playoffs
By Matt Coles
[6] Portland Timbers
The 2015 MLS Cup Champions, the Portland Timbers, will be making their third straight appearance in the postseason, having also finished runners-up last year.
However, in mid-April, it looked like the Timbers did not stand a chance of reaching the postseason, considering they had just a single point from their opening six matches. They conceded 17 goals in that span, before then winning four of the next six to complete the 12-match road span to start the campaign.
When the Timbers got back to Providence Park, which had been renovated over the offseason, leading to the June 1st debut in 2019, they started to improve their form, including a six-match unbeaten run during those summer months.
They were unable to string together more than three consecutive wins at any point in the campaign and needed a final day victory against San Jose in a crunch Decision Day clash to guarantee their place in the post-season.
Portland finished sixth in the Western Conference and have been rewarded with a trip to Salt Lake City to face RSL on Saturday evening. Portland took victory in both of the clashes between the pair in the regular-season. Can the Timbers make it three from three against RSL on Saturday? If so, can they go on to reach a second consecutive MLS Cup final?
First Round Fixture – Saturday 19th, 22:00 ET:
[3] Real Salt Lake v [6] Portland Timbers