One tough test ahead for the Portland Timbers against Colorado on the road

MARCH 1, 2025 – PORTLAND, OR: Timbers defender Finn Surman marches out the pitch with his first slab trophy aftermath of MLS Regular Season Austin FC at Portland Timbers ( Photo by Diego G Diaz)

(12) Portland Timbers (1,2,1, 4 points) vs (4) Colorado Rapids (2,0,2, 8 points)

Saturday, March 22, 2025, KO 6:30 PM PST/ 9:30 PM EST

Dick Sporting Goods Park, Commerce City, Colorado

The Portland Timbers Briefly

What could have been an easy win for the Portland Timbers ended up as a draw against a struggling LA Galaxy that hasn’t won a single game this season.

The team is struggling without a clear game plan and an effective offensive strategy. After their second game on the road, especially in Mile High Country, I find it hard to believe they can bounce back and start making headlines by winning important games.

With important games still ahead, this team requires significant improvements in its offensive and defensive strategies, as it currently lacks drive and ambition in its attack.

I don’t believe this is another meltdown from Phil Neville; rather, he seems to be lacking answers as to why his team is not delivering positive results, particularly wins!

It is essential for some players to adapt to Neville’s game plan for the Timbers’ long-term success. This adaptation will also help achieve the much-needed results to enhance the team’s performance and overall satisfaction for its amazing fanbase.

This team needs to concentrate and begin achieving the positive results that are urgently required. That’s all.

Photo Credit Colorado Rapids

 The Colorado Rapids Briefly

So far, Colorado has faced several seasons without making it to the postseason before making it last season. They were eliminated by a strong Los Angeles Galaxy squad. However, this team never surrenders.

Since second-year manager Chris Armas took charge of the Boys from Colorado, we’ve seen a significant transformation in Commerce City. He has brought his magic to the team.

The team has also undergone a major improvement in both its offensive and defensive play, currently sitting in fourth place and showing great ambition on the field as they aim for another trip to the league and conference postseason.

Chris Armas became a finalist for Manager of the Year due to his team’s performance, and he is well-regarded, especially with Zac Steffen guarding the goal. Steffen has proven to be a reliable presence against opposing strikers.

With the team making smart moves during the offseason, we can anticipate an exciting season for the Mile High side and look forward to another stellar campaign. Last week against San Jose, Steffen made an impressive 12 saves, proving to be a true savior for the team.

Meetings

09/14/2024 Colorado Rapids 2-1 Portland Timbers

08/01/2024 Portland Timbers 4-0 Colorado Rapids

02/24/2024 Portland Timbers 4-1 Colorado Rapids

Forecast

Can the road blues end for these embattled Portland Timbers?

MARCH 1, 2025 – PORTLAND, OR: Timbers coach Phil Neville in the aftermath of MLS Regular Season Austin FC at Portland Timbers ( Photo by Diego G Diaz)