Portland Timbers Looking for Balance
Last season, the Portland Timbers got one penalty shootout away from winning the MLS Cup. This season, they’ve been struggling, but without a doubt, we’re still talking about a talented team. Especially when it comes to attacking.
They currently sit in 10th place in the Western Conference. However, a victory over the Philadelphia Union could boost them to sixth. It won’t be easy, though. Philly has lost one game and it’s highly motivated after regaining the Eastern Conference top spot.
Playing at home gives the Timbers some edge regarding the soccer odds. They come in as the slight favorites at +135.
Let’s check the latest news, stats, injury reports, and MLS odds for Portland Timbers vs Philadelphia Union. We’ve plenty of soccer predictions for you to consider.
Portland Timbers: 7-11
The Portland Timbers own a 2-3-1 record when playing at home. Not the best, I know, but in their last match at Providence Park, they showed their full potential. They simply destroyed Sporting KC 7-2. And they did it despite losing Josecarlos Van Rankin 15 minutes prior to the end.
Sebastian Blanco and Nathan Fogaca scored two goals each. Blanco has had a rough start to the season, but a match like that motivates anyone. Bill Tuiloma also scored. The center-back is on fire as he also scored in midweek’s loss against the San Jose Earthquakes. That allowed him to become the team’s top scorer with four goals.
That’s right, things have been a little bit different when the Timbers play on the road. They lost 3-2 to San Jose despite finishing with more shots on target. Blanco and Dairon Asprilla came off the bench, something I can’t imagine happening on Sunday. Plus, Van Rankin will be back.
Any team that plays at home, and as the betting online favorite at a plus price, will always be a tempting deal. However, the Timbers’ urgency to win to not be left behind makes them an even more tempting option.
Philadelphia Union Back on Top
As mentioned before, drawing 0-0 to Inter Miami was enough for the Philadelphia Union to regain first place in the Eastern Conference. Overall, Philly has lost only one game (5-6-1). They can’t slow down, though. Four teams, including the reigning champions, are only one point behind.
Believe it or not, the visitors haven’t won in their last six games, seven if we include the Round of 32 of the U.S. Open Cup. Regarding MLS, the Union have tied in their last five games. On the bright side, they scored in four of those games.
Their last road match was against Los Angeles FC, and it ended 2-2. That was only the second game in which Philly allowed more than one goal. Overall, we’re talking about the best defensive team in MLS. They’ve allowed only nine goals in 12 games.
Offensively, Daniel Gazdag is having a great season. He scored one goal in two of their last four games, making it six in total. That’s enough for him to be the team’s top scorer. He’s the main reason to consider including the Union in your soccer picks. A solid defense plus an agile, smart striker is the perfect combination to win playing on the counterattack. Philly’s offering a +205 price to win straight up.
Portland Timbers vs Philadelphia Union Head-to-Head
- Previous Matches: 12
- Portland Timbers Victories: 7 (18 goals)
- Philadelphia Union Victories: 2 (12 goals)
- Draws: 3
Last season, the Philadelphia Union showed no mercy and defeated the Portland Timbers 3-0. Kacper Przybylko, Sergio Santos, and Jack Elliott were the scorers. Curiously enough, the last time they met at Providence Park, the Timbers won 3-0.
If there’s something you can expect from these two, it’s goals. The total went over in eight of their last 10 meetings.
Portland Timbers vs Philadelphia Union Game Information
- Date: Sunday, May 22
- Time: 10 p.m. ET
- Location: Providence Park, Portland
- Portland Timbers vs Philadelphia Union Live Stream: fubo.tv
Portland Timbers vs Philadelphia Union Betting Lines
Portland Timbers vs Philadelphia Union Prediction
There will be goals. In fact, I expect both to score. However, I don’t expect the total to go over. Philadelphia’s defense is playing ridiculously well. Yes, the Portland Timbers recently scored seven goals in one game, but it was one of the worst teams in the league. Prior to that, they only scored one goal in a four-game span. Therefore, my sport betting advice is to go with the draw.
Score Prediction: Portland Timbers 1, Philadelphia Union 1
Pick: Draw at +240
