Can the Portland Timbers clinch a postseason spot against a low flying Montreal Impact?

(7) Portland Timbers (11-11-10, 43 points) vs (9) CF Montreal (11-16-4, 37 points)

October 7, 2023 KO 4;30 PM EST

Stade Saputo, Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Portland Timbers Briefly

Felipe Mora and Santiago Moreno are red hot as both players have scored in back-to-back games and have been integral parts in the Portland Timbers surge in the standings.

The Chilean has become the team savior by scoring late in the  last game against the Galaxy and became the game hero as both sides shared the spoils and a week before against Colorado, he scored the game winner.

For Santiago Moreno, the man has added his third goal of the season after some early struggles early in the season and having a few issues with the team management.

We can see how manager Miles Joseph has brought this team offense as well defensive game back but with a few things to fix in the team’s defensive game, as last week in Carson, California, the backfield became nonexistent.

Still, the offensive game has improved enormously, but the defensive game hasn’t been to consistent and this is something manager Joseph needs to really make a lot of improvements and put his players to deliver 110% in every game.

The numbers don’t lie and the CF Montreal has been a tough foe for the Portland side and the need of this team to continue its revival and on the road is imperative if they are to make it into the promised land of the postseason.

Two crucial if not important games are in store for the Portland Timbers. By focusing its defensive game as well stepping up its offensive game, the team somehow is looking like a renewed contender.

However, teams enter into a slump and the Rose City side should be cautious and not to underestimate its rivals as they are playing as if this were a cup final and what seems to be a season that’s coming to a close.

Seriousness and focus, will be the elements of this team to continue its quest to save its season and make it into the playoffs as we are seeing the drive and determination the Green and Gold will be is putting into every match.

CF Montreal Briefly

Manager Hernan Losada saw his team having a slow start early in the season. Suddenly, Les Bleus made a huge turnaround and coming out of the cellar as well moving into contention. All of a sudden, they are situated on the last postseason spot.

The team has managed to earn two points and losing to Conference rivals Atlanta United 4-1, NYCFC 2-0. and Orlando City 3-0 to be situated in the last playoff spot.

Not counting the draws against Chicago Fire at 0-0 and FC Cincinnati at 1-1, Montreal goalie Romain Sirois got a record of eleven clean sheets.

Another highlight for manager Losada is that the man is highlighting the importance of putting in the lineup many of his prospects, with seven Canadians and 6 native Quebecois being in the lineup.

So far, they have a game scheduled for midweek against the Houston Dynamo at home at Stade Saputo and looking to get back on the winning side with a game on Saturday against the Portland Timbers in the City of Mary.

With an international break coming, CF Montreal for sure will be looking forward to close on a high note against the Columbus Crew on an away game and looking to seize the last postseason spot in the Eastern Conference.

Meetings

06/26/2019 CF Montreal 2-1 Portland Timbers

07/21/2018 Portland Timbers 2-2 CF Montreal

05/20/2017 CF Montreal 4-1 Portland Timbers

Forecast

The Portland Timbers looking to a valuable win on the road and pave the way for a postseason spot