Portland Timbers vs. FC Dallas Match Thread [2:00 pm]

The Portland Timbers take on FC Dallas in a Western Conference matchup that has huge implications for the current standings. Well, huge implications for the Timbers anyway. You see, while the Timbers are unable to catch up to either Real Salt Lake or FC Dallas in the standings, on the opposite end things are getting uncomfortably close. The Seattle Sounders, LA Galaxy and Colorado Rapids are only two, three and three points away from the Timbers current position respectively. With both LA and Seattle sitting this weekend out, a win today would go a long ways to distancing themselves once again.

Here are the details:

General Information

Watch it on: ESPN

Kick off: 2:00 pm at Jeld-Wen Field.

Portland Timbers: 23 points in the Western Conference.

FC Dallas: 28 points in the Western Conference.

Starting Lineups

Portland Timbers: Coming soon!

FC Dallas: Coming soon!

Final Thoughts

It can't be stressed enough that a win today does a lot of good for the Timbers in the long run. First, three points against FC Dallas also removes a possible three points on their end. This gives the Timbers an advantage heading into the summer months. Additionally, as the season draws nearer to the transfer window opening, teams will be looking to retool. Nobody knows which team will shake things up and make a valiant run for the playoffs later this season. Earning points now, when the Timbers generally know what to expect from everybody, could pay off huge come September/October.