LAFC2 @ Portland Timbers2
Saturday, Sept. 14 at 2 p.m. PT
🏟: Providence Park - Portland, OR
Following a 2-1 home victory over Sporting Kansas City II last Sunday, LAFC2 heads to Providence Park to face the Portland Timbers2 on Saturday.
With last weekend’s win, LAFC2 (11W-7L-6D) climbed to fourth place in the MLS NEXT Pro Western Conference with 42 points from 24 matches played. A win in Portland will secure LAFC2's first-ever MLS NEXT Pro playoff berth. The full list of scenarios by which LAFC2 could clinch a playoff spot are:
1) LAFC 2 or more points
OR
2) LAFC shootout loss + SKC 2 or fewer points
OR
3) LAFC shootout loss + HOUSTON loss
OR
4) LAFC shootout loss + HOUSTON 2 or fewer points + WHITECAPS loss
LAFC2 holds a 2W-1L-1D record against the Timbers2. This weekend’s match marks the third meeting between the Western Conference rivals in 2024; with LAFC2 unbeaten in their last three encounters overall. Their latest matchup ended in a 2-2 draw, but LAFC2 emerged victorious in the penalty shootout with a 5-3 win to earn an extra point in the standings.
Timbers2 In Depth
Coached by Serge Dinkota, the Timbers2 are striving for their first playoff berth in MLS NEXT Pro. With only four matches remaining in 2024, they are currently battling to climb above the playoff line.
Portland sits in ninth place in the Western Conference with 32 points from 24 matches played and has yet to secure a win in its last four matches (0W-2L-2D).
Joshua Penn leads the Timbers2 attack with six goals and one assist, while Kyle Linhares is also a key contributor, netting five goals and providing four assists this season.
