PORTLAND, Ore. — Saturday is Decision Day in Soccer City, USA. The Portland Timbers will play the Houston Dynamo at Providence Park.
A Timbers win clinches a spot in the Audi 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs.
"It's important that we're smart, really smart with opening up against this team," said Timbers Interim Head Coach Miles Joseph when he talked to media on Thursday. "They're lethal on the counter but also really good in possession, they like to drag you out of position."
The Dynamo crushed the Timbers 5-nil in August in what was the final game under former coach Giovanni Savarese.
Kickoff on Saturday is set for 6 p.m.
What to know
Houston Dynamo (13-11-9, fifth in the Western Conference) vs. Portland Timbers (11-12-10, seventh in the Western Conference)
TOP PERFORMERS: Evander has nine goals and three assists for the Timbers. Felipe Mora has five goals and one assist over the last 10 games.
Amine Bassi has scored 10 goals with two assists for the Dynamo. Corey Baird has five goals and three assists over the past 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Timbers: 5-3-2, averaging 1.9 goals, 4.4 shots on goal and 4.9 corner kicks per game while allowing 2.2 goals per game.
Dynamo: 5-1-4, averaging 2.2 goals, 5.2 shots on goal and 3.4 corner kicks per game while allowing 0.6 goals per game.
NOT EXPECTED TO PLAY: Timbers: David Ayala (injured), Eryk Williamson (injured), Jaroslaw Niezgoda (injured), Yimmi Chara (injured), Aljaz Ivacic (injured), Diego Chara (injured).
Dynamo: Ifunanyachi Achara (injured), Tate Schmitt (injured).
