Colorado Rapids Col vs Portland Timbers Port Picks and Predictions September 14th 2024

Portland Timbers Aim to Keep Rolling Against Colorado Rapids in Crucial Playoff Showdown

As the MLS season heads into its final stretch, the Portland Timbers and Colorado Rapids are gearing up for a high-stakes clash this Saturday night in Commerce City, Colorado. Both teams are battling for playoff spots in the Western Conference, and with only a handful of games left, every point is crucial. The Timbers are riding a hot streak, unbeaten in their last five matchups with the Rapids (4-0-1), including two big wins earlier this season. However, playing in Colorado’s tough altitude presents a whole new challenge, and the Rapids are coming off an exhilarating last-second victory over FC Dallas. This match is set to be a thriller.

Playoff Race Heats Up: Every Point Counts

The playoff picture in the West is getting tighter by the day. Right now, the Rapids are sitting in fourth place with 44 points (13-9-5), while the Timbers are not far behind in seventh place with 40 points (11-9-7). Both teams are desperate to lock in their postseason spots, and this match could be a defining moment for both. Portland has had Colorado’s number recently, but with the game being played more than 5,000 feet above sea level in Commerce City, the Rapids might have the home-field edge this time around.

Portland Timbers: Riding Evander’s Red-Hot Form

The Timbers are heading into this matchup with some serious momentum after their 1-0 win over the Seattle Sounders, which marked their fifth clean sheet of the season. But the real story in Portland right now is Evander, who has been absolutely on fire. With 12 goals and 16 assists, he’s contributed to a goal in eight straight matches, making this his best offensive season since Diego Valeri’s legendary 2017 campaign. The Brazilian midfielder is unstoppable right now, and he’s the key to Portland’s attack as they make a late-season push for the playoffs.

Portland’s coach, Phil Neville, is confident in his squad, saying: “We’re in the final stretch of the season, and we’re not here to just participate—we’re here to win.” With that mindset and Evander leading the charge, the Timbers have a good chance to keep their dominance over Colorado going.

Colorado Rapids: Rising Stars and Record Setters

The Rapids are riding high after their thrilling 3-2 win over FC Dallas, with 18-year-old Darren Yapi stealing the show by scoring the game-winning goal in stoppage time. Yapi’s rise has been one of the standout stories of Colorado’s season, and coach Chris Armas has been full of praise for the young forward, calling his recent performances “mature beyond his years.”

While Yapi is making headlines, the Rapids’ main goal threat is still Rafael Navarro, who scored twice in that win over Dallas, bringing his season tally to 13 goals. Navarro is closing in on a franchise record for most goals in a season, needing just three more to tie the mark. With seven games left, he’s got his eyes on making history, and if he keeps up this form, he could be the difference-maker in Colorado’s playoff push.

Offensive Firepower on Both Sides

This game could be a shootout, with both teams boasting some of the most lethal attacks in MLS. The Timbers are ranked second in the league with 55 goals, and the Rapids aren’t far behind, sitting in third with 53. However, both sides have struggled to keep things tight at the back, ranking in the bottom 10 for goals conceded. So, don’t be surprised if this game turns into a high-scoring affair, with each side taking full advantage of the other’s defensive lapses.

Portland’s Key Player: Evander will be the focal point of the Timbers’ attack. His creativity and ability to break down defenses make him a constant threat, and he’ll need to be at his best to deal with the challenges of playing at altitude.

Colorado’s Key Player: Rafael Navarro is Colorado’s goal machine, and with the franchise record in sight, he’ll be hungry for more goals. His positioning and sharp finishing in the box make him a handful for any defense.

The Altitude Factor and Tactical Battles

One of the biggest wild cards in this matchup is the altitude in Commerce City. Playing over 5,000 feet above sea level can take a toll on visiting teams, especially as the game wears on and fatigue sets in. The Timbers’ two wins over the Rapids earlier this season came in Portland, where they didn’t have to deal with the elevation. Colorado will be looking to use that to their advantage, pressing hard in the second half when legs get heavy, hoping to catch the Timbers off guard.

Tactically, it’ll be interesting to see how both teams approach the game. Portland’s defense will have their hands full trying to contain the dangerous duo of Navarro and Yapi, who have been in electric form. On the other side, Colorado’s defense, which has been shaky at times, will need to find a way to slow down Evander and Portland’s fast-paced attack.

Key Storylines to Watch

1. Evander’s Impact: Can Evander keep his red-hot form going in the high altitude? Portland’s chances of winning will largely depend on whether their star midfielder can continue to pull the strings and create scoring opportunities.
2. Navarro’s Goal Chase: With a franchise record on the line, Rafael Navarro will be extra motivated to find the back of the net. He’s been a consistent threat all season, and Portland’s defense will have to be on their toes to keep him quiet.
3. Altitude and Fitness: As always when playing in Colorado, the altitude is a big factor. The longer the game goes, the more likely it is that the Timbers will start to tire. If the match is close late in the second half, the Rapids could have the upper hand, especially with their home crowd behind them.

Prediction: Expect Fireworks

With two explosive offenses and shaky defenses, this game has all the makings of a high-scoring thriller. The altitude could give Colorado the edge, especially if Portland starts to fade in the second half. Rafael Navarro’s goal-scoring form and Darren Yapi’s youthful energy make the Rapids a dangerous team right now, but don’t count out Evander and the Timbers, who have been on fire in recent weeks.

Final Prediction: Colorado Rapids 3-2 Portland Timbers Expect an intense, end-to-end battle with both teams finding the back of the net multiple times. In the end, Colorado’s home-field advantage and attacking momentum might give them the slight edge they need to secure the win and keep their playoff hopes alive.