What MLS has always brought to the table in terms of action and surprises will be no different this Saturday at Providence Park. The Portland Timbers are fighting for a playoff spot on one side, while St. Louis City SC is doing the same to narrow the gap and seize their last chance to make the Western Conference playoffs this season. There is tension in every shot and every save, with the fate of both teams hanging in the balance.

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Let’s start with the Portland Timbers. This team has made Providence Park their fortress in 2024. It’s easy to believe in a win this Saturday, as they’re eight games undefeated at home. No one has beaten them at home since May. And don’t be fooled – home dominance is what’s kept the Timbers alive in this playoff race. There’s one question that can’t be answered, though: Is this streak enough to guarantee a happy ending?

The numbers are decent, but the reality is harsh. The Timbers enter with a record of 10-9-6, and to be honest, that’s not really that impressive. Seven of those wins have been home wins, proving how much they actually rely on the energy in the building. But for a team that wants to do more than just the playoffs, that’s not enough. They need to show they can win on the road, too. And so far, they haven’t. The game against St. Louis City SC is their chance to prove they’re more than just good hosts.

On the other hand, St. Louis CITY SC comes into the match with very high expectations but has fallen behind due to injuries and inconsistency. The 4-2 loss to Club América in the Leagues Cup Round of 16 was tough to take, but it was a much-needed reality check: they need to improve their performances and do so quickly.

Now all eyes are on interim coach John Hackworth, who faces the near impossible task of saving this season. St. Louis, with 13 wins, 7 draws and 5 losses, needs more consistency in results than ever to avoid losing the playoff spot. Goalkeeper Roman Burki and center back Tomas Totland will solidify their defense. The midfield will rely on Eduard Löwen, who is in top form, to create the chances that strikers Marcel Hartel and Simon Becher need.

Speaking of Löwen, he was the engine for this very team. With 10 goal contributions in 18 games, Löwen is the player who can tip the scales. If he brings his game, CITY SC’s chances will increase tremendously. But at the same time, they need a collective effort to beat the Timbers; a team cannot rely on a single star to shine brightly.

While this isn’t the first meeting between Portland and St. Louis this season, it’s arguably one of the most crucial. Their last meeting ended in a scoreless tie at CITYPARK – a game many would probably prefer to forget. Both teams have changed since then.

Portland has found the net 25 times in various competitions since that tie. On the other hand, St. Louis has scored 17 goals in the same period, showing that the Timbers’ ability to score goals has increased tremendously. Additionally, St. Louis has a historic lead, having posted an overall record of 2-1-1 against Portland. Last time out, St. Louis was ahead 3-1, thanks to top performances from Löwen, Hartel and Becher.

But now? Will this be a repeat or are we entering a new chapter? Portland has home court advantage and, as mentioned, Providence Park is a fortress. However, CITY SC will be hungry for the win.

As the players step onto the field, one thing is clear: This is no ordinary game. It’s a fierce battle where every move can make the difference. And at the end of it, only one will walk away with their playoff dreams still alive.