Match Thread: Timbers vs. Minnesota United

The Portland Timbers host Minnesota United FC, in a matchup at Providence Park that carries massive implications for the Western Conference playoff picture.

Storylines So Far

The Timbers (10-8-12, 42 points) are coming off of three straight 2-1 victories, the cumulating of which have vaulted them back above the playoff line and into the thick of the conversation for the final few spots in the Western Conference. Tonight represents a pivotal game in that hunt, and is an opportunity for them to leapfrog the Loons and carve out a (somewhat) clear path into the playoffs.

Minnesota (13-7-5, 44 points) are also seeking to carve out their own path to the playoffs, albeit doing so from a…