The Portland Timbers reach a crucial point in the 2024 MLS regular season. Positioned 9th in the Western Conference with 45 points, the Timbers have set as a clear objective achieving qualification to the playoffs. This Wednesday, the first challenge will be against Austin FC, which, despite a full-of-ups-and-downs season, sees itself still in the race of keeping alive the slim chances of playoff qualification.
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Portland Timbers: Home Invincibility and the Weight of Decision
The Portland Timbers have been stout in Providence Park throughout their history, and that hasn't changed in 2024. So far this year, PTFC has played 17 home matches in MLS and Leagues Cup, recording 11 wins, two draws, and only two losses. This consistency at home has been huge for a team in a year when it needs to nail down its playoff standing. After all, the team has gone undefeated at Providence Park since May 12, posting an impressive eight-win, two-draw streak.
Besides that, the team performance has been pretty steady while leading at halftime, remaining undefeated in 2024 at 5-0-2 when ahead at the end of the first half. In the last meetings against Austin FC, the Timbers were leading in four of the last six games by halftime, making their record 3-1-2.
This season's standout player, midfielder Santiago Moreno, has been amongst the main pieces for the team. Moreno made the absence of Evander worth noticing as he scored his 14th assist of the season, which is the second on the team, just behind Evander, who leads with a total of 16 assists. Reaching to the total, the Colombian reached his best since he joined the MLS with 20 direct goal contributions this season.
Austin FC: A Frustrating Season and the Last Chance
On the other side is Austin FC, who thus far have been having a very frustrating season. Surprisingly during the Leagues Cup when they beat big clubs in the Mexican league, such as Pumas and Monterrey, they were never able to hold the same pace when coming back into MLS. Since their elimination in the Round of 16 of the Leagues Cup, Austin FC has gotten a negative lead of five winless games (0-3-2), which complicated things regarding playoff possibilities. At this time, the team stands nine points behind the 9th position held by Portland Timbers.
The biggest names from Austin FC this season are Jáder Obrian, a Colombian forward leading the team with seven goals and four assists; Sebastián Driussi, who has fallen a bit but still has five goals and two assists. The latter has been the weak link in their set-up, thereby putting more pressure on goalkeeper Brad Stuver and defenders Julio Cascante and Brendan Hines-Ike to have an inspired night if they are to contain the Timbers' attack.