Enemy Scouting Report - Portland Timbers
(image via Portland Timbers)
After a weekend off watching the other MLS teams play, the Houston Dynamo are back in action in their third consecutive home game to start the season, hosting the Portland Timbers.
The Dynamo have an all time record of 10W-11L-9D against the Timbers, but that improves to 7 wins, 7 draws and just 1 loss at home against Portland.
Portland started this season with a thrilling 3-2 win against the Columbus Crew, but have lost both their subsequent games, losing 2-0 at Colorado, followed by a 4-1 loss at home to the Vancouver Whitecaps last week. Their 8 goals conceded is the 2nd-worst in the league behind only Orlando City.
Key Players
Cole Bassett
Bassett made over 150 appearances for Colorado Rapids before joining the Timbers in a Cash Trade this offseason. He missed last weekend’s game with a minor knee injury and could return this weekend.
Antony
The Brazilian scored 7 goals and created 7 assists last season for the Timbers, including a brace against the Dynamo at Portland.
Felipe Mora
The long-time Timber has scored 4 goals and created 4 assists in just 8 games against the Dynamo. He may come off the bench after the Timbers acquired fellow Chilean Alexander Aravena this offseason.
Head Coach
Phil Neville
A former Manchester United and Everton fullback, Neville managed Inter Miami until right before Lionel Messi joined. Since taking over Portland in 2023, the Timbers have had a poor away record of 9W-25L-18D in MLS. Neville’s all time record against the Dynamo is 1W-6L-1D with both Miami and Portland.
Last Match Staring XI (from fotmob.com)
Here’s how the Timbers lined up for their last game, the 4-1 loss at home to the Vancouver Whitecaps:
2026 Roster
Goalkeepers: Trey Muse, James Pantemis,
Defenders: Alex Bonetig, Brandon Bye, Jimer Fory, Sawyer Jura, Zac McGraw, Eric Miller, Kamal Miller, Juan Mosquera, Ian Smith, Finn Surman
Midfielders: Cole Bassett, Diego Chara, David Da Costa, Omir Fernandez, Joao Ortiz
Forwards: Antony, Alexander Aravena, Gage Guerra, Kevin Kelsy, Ariel Lassiter, Felipe Mora, Kristoffer Velde