The Portland Timbers are running out of time to make a late push into the MLS Cup Playoffs, but they will get one more chance to build on recent momentum this Sunday at Providence Park against Houston Dynamo FC.
After back-to-back wins, the Timbers moved to within three points of a postseason spot with two regular-season games remaining. That makes Sunday's meeting one of the club's most important matches of the year, with the playoff picture still very much in play.
A key night at Providence Park
The Timbers will host Houston on Native American Heritage Night, adding a special layer to a game that already carries clear postseason significance. After Sunday, Portland will have one regular-season game left to play, which means this is one of the final opportunities to keep pressure on the teams ahead of it.
Martí Cifuentes has already pointed to Kamal Miller's red card, Houston's play style and the importance of carrying the energy from the recent wins forward. That combination of discipline, game management and momentum could matter a lot with the season reaching its final stretch.
How to follow the match
Fans can watch the game on Apple TV or FS1. Radio coverage is also available on 105.1 The Fan and La GranD 1150 AM/93.5 FM.
For Portland, the task is simple: keep the winning run alive and turn a strong late-season response into one more step toward the postseason.
