Portland Timbers vs. Colorado Rapids Match Thread [8:00]

Well, it is agreed: today's match against the Colorado Rapids is a must win for the Portland Timbers if they want to start their climb up the ladder and into playoff position. The Rapids will not go down easily, however, and will look to hang onto their fourth place spot with everything they have got, even if that does not include several of team's key pieces, like Jose Mari and Shane O'Neil.

A win for the Timbers today would double the Timbers' home wins total on the year and could boost them to within two points of a playoff berth. Can the Timbers do it, or is this season bound to be a repeat of 2012? Today is the day to find out.

Here is all the information that you need for today's match:

Previews

Match Preview: "Of course, the Timbers are marginally less riddled with injuries this week; after suffering through the better part of a month with little to no flexibility on the defensive line or at the forward spot, the Timbers have several players returning to active duty."

Preview Interview: "It's the usual suspects who are making the offense happen from open play, as well. Dillon Powers has played at an All-Star level in the midfield, with four goals and five assists, and Deshorn Brown has finally started piling them in as well. The supporting cast of Vicente Sanchez, Dillon Serna and the rest are also doing fine attacking work, and mitigating the biggest issue with the team's offense, which is finishing, by creating so many decent opportunities that a few are bound to go in."

General Information

Watch it on: NBC Sports

Kick off: 8:00 PM PT at Providence Park

Portland Timbers: 4-6-9, 8th place in the Western Conference

Seattle Sounders: 7-5-6, 4th place in the Western Conference