The Streak is Dead, Long Live the Streak

From March 16th to July 3rd, the Portland Timbers put together the fourth longest unbeaten streak in MLS history. Last weekend that streak ended. With the Timbers set to take on the LA Galaxy tomorrow night, the Timbers are looking to get back on track. Luckily for the Timbers, the schedule for the second half of the season lines up nicely for another long run of results.

Timbers points per game: 1.67 (3rd best in the league)

Timbers points per game at home: 2.12

Timbers points per game away: 1.3

League points per game: 1.36 (1.34 without Timbers)

The First Half

While much has been made of the Timbers' ability to not lose on the road, which makes sense after the franchise's disastrous first two years of away performances, it is the Timbers home form that is truly astounding. After tying the New York Red Bulls and losing to the Montreal Impact in their first two games, the Timbers only dropped two more points at home, winning five of the team's next six home games.

Opponent points per game: 1.35

Home opponent points per game: 1.37 (8 games)

Away opponent points per game: 1.34 (9 games)

Opponents with points per game over 1.5: Montreal Impact (H), Seattle Sounders (A), Sporting Kansas City (A), FC Dallas (A, H), Vancouver Whitecaps (A), LA Galaxy (A)

Opponents with points per game under 1: Chivas USA (H), DC United (A)

The Second Half

In the second half of the season the Timbers find themselves with a weak road schedule while they host a number of strong teams at Jeld-Wen Field. With the Timbers' torrid home form, the scheduling gods could be smiling on the team this year. As the second half of the season ramps up, the Timbers will need to maintain their home form and push for more points on the road, something that is eminently doable with road games against San Jose, Toronto, Chivas, and Chivas a part of the schedule.

Opponent points per game: 1.35

Home opponent points per game: 1.51 (9 games)

Away opponent points per game: 1.26 (8 games)

Opponents with points per game over 1.5: LA Galaxy (H, H), Vancouver Whitecaps (H, A), FC Dallas (H), Real Salt Lake (H, A, H), Seattle Sounders (A, H)

Opponents with points per game under 1: Toronto FC (H), Chivas USA (H, A)

Another fifteen game unbeaten streak may be a lot to ask for, but it is certainly within the Timbers' grasp as they dive into the second half of the season.