The Portland Timbers are in the playoffs, but with the Western Conference as tightly packed as ever, this afternoon’s Decision Day match against the Vancouver Whitecaps could still be the difference between the Timbers securing a home playoff spot or going on the road mid-week.
Looking up the table, the Timbers are within striking distance of the Seattle Sounders, FC Dallas, and even second place Los Angeles FC. Should any of those teams stumble, a win from the Timbers could vault them up the table — although for an LAFC loss to matter the goal differential change would have to be staggering.