Colorado Rapids vs Portland Timbers Picks and Predictions March 22nd 2025

Rapids Ride Franchise-Best Start Into Showdown With Timbers

The Colorado Rapids are flying high after their best start to an MLS season, and they’ll aim to keep the momentum rolling Saturday night when they host the Portland Timbers in Commerce City.

With an unbeaten record through four matches (2-0-2, 8 points), the Rapids have not only found early consistency but are showing the grit and resilience that head coach Chris Armas has been preaching. Last weekend’s 2-1 win at San Jose was sealed with a 71st-minute strike from Calvin Harris—giving Colorado back-to-back road victories and a clear sign they’re not to be taken lightly in 2024.

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Now, they return home looking to protect their streak while navigating a lineup stretched by both injuries and international duty.

“It will be special to have my family and friends there,” said 18-year-old goalkeeper Adam Beaudry, who will earn his first MLS start at home in place of Zack Steffen. “We’ve been talking about making everything the same… but I am excited to get my first start at home and hopefully come out with three points.”

Depth Test for Both Clubs

The Rapids will be without key figures such as starting keeper Zack Steffen (U.S. national team) and Wayne Frederick (Trinidad & Tobago). Injuries have also sidelined Theodore Ku-DiPietro (shoulder), Jackson Travis (hand), and Sam Vines (thigh). Despite the challenges, Colorado has leaned on its squad depth and found a spark in striker Rafael Navarro, who leads the team with three goals.

Head coach Chris Armas praised the team’s response, especially considering three of their first four matches were on the road—a stretch that would test any squad.

Portland (1-2-1, 4 points), meanwhile, enters the match searching for consistency. The Timbers let a lead slip in last weekend’s 1-1 draw with the LA Galaxy and have already conceded seven goals in four matches. Injuries and international call-ups are also taking a toll, with Jonathan Rodriguez out and Juan Mosquera questionable, while Miguel Araujo, Ariel Lassiter, and Maxime Crepeau are away with their national teams.

“We’re a team that’s still learning and needs to be a little more ruthless… show some more courage on the ball,” said Timbers head coach Phil Neville. “We were up 1-0 against a team that was there for the taking.”

Felipe Mora provided Portland’s lone goal last week, assisted by David Da Costa, but the Timbers will need sharper finishing and more aggressiveness if they’re to challenge a confident Colorado side.

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Rapids Eye Another Statement Win

With history on the line and young talent stepping into key roles, this match could further establish the Rapids as one of the West’s early-season surprises. For Portland, it’s a chance to stabilize and stop a strong opponent in its tracks.

Following MLS predictions this weekend? Stay sharp with expert soccer picks and analysis that help you break down matches like Rapids vs. Timbers with precision.