Back in the playoffs: Can Portland Timbers avoid the Wild Card and make a title push?

Finally, the Portland Timbers are back in the Audi MLS Cup playoffs, for which every reason to get excited-First time this team has come back into the playoffs since hosting the final in 2021. Following a period of uncertainty, Phil Neville's squad is proving that they have potential to fight once again for the title.

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The Timbers, with 12 wins, 11 losses, and 9 draws, sit in 9th place in the Western Conference with 45 points. They still fight to stay away from the tricky Wild Card game, although their fate is not in their hands. What puts Portland in the conversation, though, is just how powerfully offensive they are. At 64 goals this season, the Timbers boast some of the league's top attacking talent, headlined by the Brazilian star Evander.

Evander: The Engine of the Portland Timbers

The name on everyone's lips is Evander. Following 15 goals and 18 assists, this Brazilian midfielder has now developed into one of the most obvious sensations of MLS and a serious contender for the Landon Donovan MVP award. His creativity in play-in being able to provide the final ball or finish himself-makes Portland an always dangerous proposition for any defense.

Versatility has been the key to Portland's success through Evander. Head coach Phil Neville instills an attack that is not cemented to one player for goals. In addition to Evander, Jonathan Rodríguez-16 goals and 7 assists-and Felipe Mora-14 goals and 6 helpers-form a well-balanced and dangerous attacking trio. The chemistry among these three makes the Timbers so dangerous in any match.

But that is not the only thing; the attack is carrying this team, but at the same time, the defense has its stalwarts too who should be in the headlines.

Diego Chara: The Silent Legend

If Evander is the face of today's Portland Timbers, the heart and soul of the team remains the iconic Diego Chara. In his 14th season with the club, the Colombian remains a beating heart in midfield. For leadership, relentless work, and incredible game reading, Chara does the "dirty work" so important to transition from defense to attack.

That's unheard of in modern-day sports, and though the years have caught up with Chara, he has not lost his significance. He dictates the pace of the game even at 37, screening the backline and initiating attacks that more often than not end up as clear-cut chances on goal.

And speaking of defense, the roles of Canadian internationals Kamal Miller and Maxime Crépeau-who have given concrete structure to the backline-cannot be forgotten.

The Experienced Defense of the Timbers

While Portland's defense might not be the stingiest in the league, it is made up of players who know what they are doing. Another Colombian standout has been strong on the flank in Juan Mosquera, with Miller and Crépeau bringing some welcome international experience. That gives Portland that mix of youth and experience that allows them to hold off the attacks of opposing teams and give them more license to shine on offense.

With that said, the Timbers still need to iron out some defensive details as the season draws to a close. Rarely do you see them concede important goals at really inopportune times. Phil Neville will need to address these issues if he wants to see Portland make a deep run in the playoffs.

What to Expect in the Playoffs

Having booked their playoff spot, Portland Timbers still have two games left that will confirm their final position. Phil Neville's team wants to evade the Wild Card game, which would mean finishing 7th or higher, and head straight to the Best-of-3 series in the first round.

It is not the perfect standing for now, but Portland has that great tradition of performing at places when it matters most. And with an MLS Cup in 2015 and a recent final appearance in 2021, the Timbers have proved they know how to do the magic. And it's exactly this mindset that will be brought forward to the matches in October.

Phil Neville: The Architect of Change

Head coach Phil Neville has been the catalyst for this change in fortunes. Pragmatic and well-structured, he has navigated Portland out of some tight corners this season. The fluidity in attack and organization in defense were visible telltales of his influence. Perhaps more importantly, though, Neville knows how to deal with pressure-having been both a player and coach of top-level clubs.

In-game adjustments by Neville have been the key in these recent Portland wins. An adept tactician at really poking in the weaknesses of opponents, his team also shows resilience under pressure. This would be the needed balance between offense and defense as Portland noses into the playoff positions.

Another Shot at History?

The last time the Portland Timbers lifted the MLS Cup was in 2015. Since then, they've come close on several occasions, including in 2021 when they lost the final at home. Nearly a decade removed from their first championship, the Timbers are presented with a chance to chase the Philip F. Anschutz Trophy once more.

Well, that's a tall order. MLS Cup 2024 is scheduled for December 7, while the playoffs start on October 22 and 23, beginning with the Wild Card matches. The 8th and 9th place teams in each conference are to take part in such single-elimination games, while the top 1-7 seeds go into best-of-3 series.

The Portland Timbers are fighting for the best possible position, but one thing is for sure-with Evander in top form and Diego Chara leading the midfield, this is a team to not underestimate.