Previewing Houston Dynamo vs Portland Timbers with Stumptown Footy
(image via Portland Timbers)
The Houston Dynamo are back at Shell Energy Stadium tonight for another home match. We talked to our friend Sam Svilar from Stumptown Footy to get some insight on the Portland Timbers ahead of the match.
Bayou City Soccer (BCS): After a season-opening win, Portland has lost 2 straight. What has been some of their issues in these last two matches?
Stumptown Footy (SF): In a phrase: lack of ideas. Portland's offense hasn't looked in sync basically all year, and they've scored just one goal in their last two matches (and it was a wondergoal from long range). A lack of consistent service and patterns of play has left the offense to try to figure things out on their own. And, well, they haven't yet.
BCS: Portland has struggled on their travels to Houston historically. Do you think this is just bad luck or something that hampers the club with the travel and usual weather in Houston?
SF: At this point, I'm convinced they're cursed. Portland's record against all of the Texas teams in Texas has been poor, and that weird consistency isn't the case with any other team or region. My guess it's the combination of the Timbers never being a terribly good road team along with the extensive travel it takes to get to the Lone Star State from the Pacific Northwest. I genuinely don't have any other explanation than that - maybe it's just an aversion to barbecue?
BCS: We've seen some new players in the Timbers XI this season. What can you tell us about these new faces and what we may see from them on Saturday?
SF: The biggest new name is Cole Bassett. Portland swung a surprising trade to bring him in, and he transforms Portland's midfield. His ability to advance the ball helps break open Portland's attack. He's dealing with an ankle injury, so his presence on Saturday is a question mark. But if he plays, he will be looked to as a focal point on both sides of the ball.
Outside of him, Alexander Aravena made his debut for Portland last weekend and he was one of the few bright spots in that match. He can play anywhere along the front line, but he will likely start as a winger. He has a soft touch and is active off the ball, so he will be looked to as an outlet and facilitator for Portland's attack.
BCS: The Timbers have conceded a Western Conference high 8 goals this season. Is this the defense, goalkeeping, or what can you say the reason for this early season lapse has been?
SF: Mostly structure, in particular the midfield. With the departure of David Ayala, Portland's midfield has lost a bit of its defensive bite. The result has asked a lot of Diego Chara and the centerbacks. And that in turn impacts Portland's shape, and creates inconsistent pressing patterns all around the field. It's allowed teams that like to play with the ball and possession - like Colorado and Vancouver - to very easily play through Portland's press and midfield. And when that happens... well, like you said, eight goals conceded.
Set piece defending is a big concern as well. Three out of those eight have been conceded either directly from a set piece or in the ensuing second ball.
BCS: Do the Timbers have any injury concerns heading into this match and what do you expect to see for a starting eleven?
SF: Portland is dealing with a somewhat growing injury bug, right as they are getting some key players back. Centerback Alex Bonetig is out for Saturday, as is right back Juan Mosquera. New midfield signing Jose Caicedo is still working on getting his visa, and both Antony and Bassett are listed as questionable.
But one player who is available is David Da Costa. He will very likely make his 2026 debut on the weekend, adding some much needed creativity to Portland's midfield
As for starting XI, here's my best guess (4-2-3-1): James Pantemis; Brandon Bye, Finn Surman, Kamal Miller, Jimer Fory; Diego Chara, Cole Bassett; Alexander Aravena, David Da Costa, Kristoffer Velde; Felipe Mora
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We want to thank Sam for his time and wish our friends in Portland the best of luck tonight.
