Portland and Houston face-off for the first time in the 2023 regular season as Timbers look to secure a spot in the postseason with 11 matches to go. Kickoff is 5:30pm PT on MLS Season pass on Apple TV
The Portland Timbers return to MLS action with a visit to Texas Sunday evening against Houston Dynamo FC (5:30pm PT, MLS Season Pass on Apple TV). With 11 games left in the regular season, the race for the postseason is on.
With a record of 10-5-7 all-time against Houston, Portland's visit to Shell Energy Stadium this weekend kicks off a two-month push for a ticket to the Audi 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs. Although currently in 12th place in the Western Conference, the Timbers (6-9-8, 26pts) only sit just three points behind the ninth and final playoff spot.
Sunday's opponents, Houston, happen to be the club currently holding onto that coveted ninth position, and the Dynamo are the only opponent Portland are set to face twice in the remainder of the schedule. Houston (9th, 8-10-5, 29pts) are reeling from a tough regular-season spell just before Leagues Cup, and will look to bounce back at home.
Here are some stats to know as MLS returns and Portland take on Houston:
11
Following the conclusion of Leagues Cup 2023, Portland has 11 remaining matches on their schedule to close out the regular season. Over the next nine weeks, Portland will play six matches at Providence Park, five on the road, and face 10 different opponents (nine Western Conference, one Eastern Conference). Of those 10 opponents, seven are currently in playoff position, setting up a true fight to the finish line.
Last 5
Despite losing to Minnesota United just before Leagues Cup, the Dynamo hold a 3-1-1 record in their last five regular-season home games, and hold an impressive +8 goal differential over those matches. In Portland's last five matches at Houston, the Timbers have walked away with points in four of them, garnering a respectable 1-1-3 record.
By Halves
In the 22 matches disputed between both sides, Houston and Portland have found the back of the net 30 and 37 times, respectively. In a tale of two halves, the Dynamo have been most effective against the Green and Gold in the first 45 minutes of play, scoring 66% of their goals before the halftime whistle. The Timbers have historically been more dominant in the second half against Houston, scoring 62% of their goals between the 46th minute and the final whistle.
62
Portland both resumes and closes the regular season against the Dynamo, with this Sunday's matchup in Texas, and the regular-season finale at Providence Park on Saturday, October 21. With 62 days between clashes, the Timbers and Dynamo could seal their 2023 fates on MLS Decision Day.
