Three weeks ago, after breaking through against Minnesota United FC for their first win of the season, the Portland Timbers had conceded 14 goals through six matches, accumulating one of MLS’ worst defensive records while going 1-3-2. Two games later, Portland has still only conceded 14 times, allowing their goals against average (1.75) to improve to a modest 13th among the 23 teams in Major League Soccer.
Thirteen out of 23 is neither something to laud nor abhor, but in the context of the Timbers’ season, it feels like progress, particularly after an initial six games where the team conceded multiple goals on five occasions.