The Portland Timbers are eighth in the MLS Western Conference ahead of matchday No. 23 in Major League Soccer. Portland are on 30 points after 22 matches ahead of their fixture with Minnesota United.
The Loons are third in the MLS Western Conference. Minnesota United have taken 34 points from 22 games for a points per game figure of 1.55.
Pacific Northwest meets the Midwest pic.twitter.com/hd8dWZYehh— Minnesota United FC (@MNUFC) July 27, 2022
Pacific Northwest meets the Midwest pic.twitter.com/hd8dWZYehh
Minnesota United have played well at home this season with a record of 5W-3D-3L. Manager Adrian Heath has never led Minnesota United to a higher finish than fourth in the MLS Western Conference. As it stands, the team is 11 points off of first-place Los Angeles FC.
Portland Timbers are level on points with seventh-place Los Angeles Galaxy. A result against Minnesota United on matchday No. 23 could see Portland move into the playoff positions.
The Timbers go into the match unbeaten in their lats seven matches in MLS. Fifteen points were taken by Portland Timbers across those last seven MLS fixtures.
The home team has won the last two matches between Portland and Minnesota United. This will be their first match of the 2022 season.
Minnesota United are also on a great run of MLS form at the moment. The Loons are unbeaten in six straight games in the league. Sixteen points were taken from their last 18 points on offer. Heath has Minnesota United playing their best football since he arrived at the club in 2017.
Emanuel Reynoso leads Minnesota United in goals scored with nine. Three of which have come from the penalty spot. Jaroslaw Niezgoda leads Portland Timbers in scoring with eight goals this season. Portland have only scored 35 times, while Minnesota United have tallied a mere 31.
Defence has been key for both teams. Minnesota United have allowed just 26 goals, while Portland have given up 31 to opponents.
Heath could be without several players for Portland’s arrival including Kervin Arriaga, Romaine Metanire, and Partrick Weah due to injuries. Midfielder Hassani Dotson is ruled out for the remainder of the season with an ACL injury.
Portland coach Giovanni Savarese may be without Diego Gutierrez due to a foot issue. Goalkeeper Hunter Sulte is a doubt to make the squad, while forward Blake Bodily has a hamstring injury that will keep him out until August.
Both Minnesota United and Portland Timbers are in excellent form ahead of the weekend fixture in MLS. This game should finish with neither side able to get the upper hand as the match ends 1-1.
Four of Portland’s 11 away games in 2022 have ended in draws. Minnesota have had three of their 11 home games finish stalemates.