The Timbers welcome New York City FC back to the Rose City Saturday for the first time since the 2021 MLS Cup; kickoff at 7:30pm PT.
The Portland Timbers face a quick turnaround. Just three days removed since facing the Chicago Fire, the Timbers play host to New York City FC on Saturday at Providence Park; kickoff is set for 7:30pm PT.
The Timbers (5-8-6, 21pts) dropped a spot in the standings after Wednesday's loss. Still just one point out of the playoff picture, Giovanni Savarese and Co. get a crack at New York City FC – a team Portland hasn't faced in regular-season play since July 7, 2019, and last met in the 2021 MLS Cup.
NYCFC is currently 12th in the East (4-7-8, 20pts), and only three points behind the final playoff spot. However, they are winless in their last 10 matches with an 0-5-5 record over that stretch.
Here are facts to know ahead of Saturday's showdown.
6
Saturday marks just the sixth regular-season meeting all-time between the Timbers and NYCFC, with Portland owning a 4-1-0 record in the previous five match-ups. The two clubs also met during the MLS is Back Tournament in 2020 (with the Timbers earning a 3-1 win).
3
Timbers forward Franck Boli is finding his form. In fact, he's scored Portland's last three goals. On Wednesday, Boli scored his fifth goal in MLS and now leads all Portland players in goals scored this season. Bonus fact: All five of Boli's goals have been the first goal scored in their respective match.
100
Colombian winger and club veteran Dairon Asprilla reached an important milestone with the Portland on Wednesday night. Once the initial whistle blew, Asprilla secured his 100th regular-season start for Portland. The 31-year-old is the ninth Timbers player to reach this achievement.
18.8
Portland is among the top teams in the league in defensive clearances per 90 minutes. They currently rank fourth-best, averaging 18.8 clearances per match. Of the 376 total clearances through Matchday 19, Timbers centerback Zac McGraw leads the way with 115. However, Portland will have to do without his services this weekend as McGraw joins the Canada MNT this summer as part of their Concacaf Gold Cup squad in his first-ever international callup.
63
Goalkeepers Aljaz Ivacic and David Bingham have shared time in goal this season, but no matter who is in goal the Timbers have been in good hands. The club ranks among league leaders with 63 saves – just four shy of Atlanta at the top.
