Na Walmart Saturday Showdown dey set for Providence Park as Portland Timbers go host San Jose Earthquakes for di last match before 2026 FIFA World Cup break.
Portland, wey dey five points behind LA Galaxy for di ninth and final Audi MLS Cup Playoffs spot for Western Conference, go rely on striker Kevin Kelsy and Designated Players Kristoffer Velde and David Da Costa. Di trio don produce 4 goals and 7 assists for Portland last three matches, wey include club-record 6-0 win over Sporting Kansas City for dia last home game.
Center back Finn Surman, wey go represent New Zealand for World Cup, don steady di defense. Canadian international Kam Miller get hamstring issue from last week match against Inter Miami, so im availability for dis weekend dey doubtful.
San Jose start di season strong under head coach Bruce Arena, wey make dem become first MLS team since 2000 to win nine of dia first 10 games. But injuries to German star Timo Werner and homegrown midfielder Niko Tsakiris don make dem go winless for last five matches across all competitions.
Young attacking trio of Beau Leroux, Ousseni Bouda, and Preston Judd dey try help San Jose break dia slump and return to top of Supporters’ Shield standings.
Market dey show virtual toss-up, with both Portland and San Jose get about 40% of di pool. Portland never lose at home against San Jose since joining MLS for 2011. Di question na whether home-field advantage go keep dat incredible record alive, or San Jose go break dia Providence Park curse.
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