For the Portland Timbers, everything is at stake in this Sunday's clash against FC Dallas. For once, after all those ups and downs, they get a chance to nail their spot in the MLS Western Conference playoffs. The team requires just a draw or a win at Providence Park to rule out Austin FC from the race. This puts all the pressure on the Timbers, while FC Dallas, eliminated from playoff contention already, plays purely for pride.
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Context: playoffs in sight
The Timbers currently sit 9th in the Western Conference with 45 points collected throughout the season. With only two games remaining, Portland knows they control their own fate. One could think facing Dallas, which is mathematically out of the playoff picture, could be a relief; however, it's a team that they cannot afford to become complacent against. FC Dallas interim coach Peter Luccin heads a squad that, while having no postseason ambitions, is one that can still make things tough. We saw it in their last encounter in July when Dallas defeated the Timbers 3-2.
For Portland, Sunday's match isn't just about any game but a golden opportunity to avoid the stress and anxiety of relying on their final match against Seattle Sounders, which will be played away. And let's get real here; nobody wants to leave things to the last matchday, especially not at the hands of a rivalry game.
History: Timbers Under Pressure in Sunday Matches
Of note concerning the Timbers: this will be their only fourth Sunday game of the season. In three other Sunday games, they had one win, one draw, and one loss. However, playing at Providence Park has always been an advantage to Portland. Their midweek loss last week to Austin FC was just their third home defeat of the season, proving solid they are at home.
Another thing is Portland's recent history versus FC Dallas. Their last meeting, a 3-2 loss, should be fair warning. Dallas has already shown they can make things tough on the Timbers, even when there was no greater stake. This is where Portland's coach, Giovanni Savarese, needs to make sure his squad remains focused and fully prepared for the challenge.
The importance of closing the deal now
While Portland will have another chance to lock up their playoff position in the last game of the season against Seattle Sounders, it's obvious they would want to get that out of the way as soon as possible. Having to rely on a win or draw at Lumen Field against a historic foe would be an extremely tall order to take. Thus, the importance of the Timbers doing whatever it takes to leave with at least a point this Sunday cannot be overstated.
Such early qualification would also give the team sufficient time to rest key players and make necessary adjustments to face tough challenges in the playoffs.