Portland vs San Diego: Match Preview, Predictions, Team News

On November 2, Portland Timbers will face San Diego in a crucial MLS matchup. This game marks the second in the “Best of Three” series. Portland must secure a victory to keep their playoff hopes alive, following a challenging first game where they failed to score.

Match Preview

Portland Timbers enters this match with significant pressure. After just one win in their last ten outings, the team struggles to find form. The Timbers managed to reach this stage by overcoming Real Salt Lake in the Wild Card match, but have since faltered.

Despite scoring in five of their last six league games at Providence Park, the team’s performance against San Diego last week was disappointing. Portland managed only three shots on target, which mirrors their lack of offensive production throughout the series.

Conversely, San Diego has enjoyed a strong inaugural season in the MLS. They won their first-ever post-season match and topped the Western Conference. However, they have shown inconsistency at home, having lost five of their 17 regular-season matches.

Recent Form

• Portland Timbers: DDLLWL
• San Diego: LDLWWW

Team News

Portland will continue to miss key players: Felipe Carballo, Jonathan Rodriguez, and Matias Rojas are sidelined due to injuries. They will rely on goalkeeper James Pantemis, who delivered a commanding performance with six saves in the last game.

Diego Chara’s contribution will be crucial for Portland as he seeks to disrupt the San Diego attack. Forward Felipe Mora, who scored twice against Real Salt Lake, is expected to lead the attack again.

San Diego also faces injury challenges, with Alejandro Alvarado, Oscar Verhoeven, Willy Kumado, and Aiden Harangi all unavailable. However, they may welcome back Chucky Lozano after resolving internal issues. Anders Dreyer, a standout in the previous game, is anticipated to play a vital role once more.

Possible Lineups

Portland Timbers

• Pantemis
• Mosquera, Miller, Surman, Smith
• Ayala, Chara, Pereira Da Costa
• Antony, Mora, Velde

San Diego

• Dos Santos
• Pilcher, McVey, Duah, Bombino
• Valakari, Godoy, Tverskov
• Dreyer, Baird, Pellegrino

The prediction leans towards a 2-1 victory for San Diego. The team’s strong tactical approach and flawless record against Portland positions them well for progression to the next round.