By most reasonable measurements, the Portland Timbers' inaugural season has gone reasonably well. They have lost more games than they'd probably like, but have sold out every one of their home games and have built a buzz around the team that is unmatched outside of Seattle.
Major League Soccer (Mid)Week 24, Preview, Pick: Portland Timbers Need Win Badly
Chivas USA visits the Timbers with both teams separated by just two points and fighting for the final playoff spot.
Becoming just the second post-1998 expansion team to make the playoffs in their first year would put this season on a different level. If they have any hopes of doing that, they almost certainly need to get points against Chivas USA on Wednesday, and probably need all three.
As it stands now, the Timbers are just three points behind the New York Red Bulls for that final playoff spot. With just four of their final nine games being played at home and the team having claimed just six points on the road, practically every match at Jeld-Wen Field is a must-win. This is the main reason why Sounder at Heart gives the Timbers just a 12 percent chance of making the playoffs.
Chivas USA, just two points ahead of the Timbers, are seen as having a better than 50 percent chance of making the playoffs. The biggest reason for that discrepancy is the Goats having done a much better job of getting points on the road. In fact, their 15 road points are just one fewer than they’ve claimed at home and are the sixth most of any MLS team. They also have five home games left to play this season.
Time: 11 p.m.; Pick: Tied 2-2.
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