Minnesota United FC are just a few weeks away from making the playoffs for the first time in franchise history. The Loons joined the MLS at the same time as Atlanta United, but they have not had nearly the success as their expansion partner. They finished in ninth place in the Western Conference in both 2017 and 2018, but the Loons are sitting in third place in the conference with four games to play. Minnesota United are five points ahead of the Portland Timbers for the final playoff spot, and they will head west to face Portland this Sunday afternoon.
Don't miss the Major League Soccer action from Providence Park in Portland, Oregon at 3:55 p.m. ET on Sunday, September 22, 2019. Catch every moment of the match live on ESPN.
MLS Betting Odds at BookMaker.eu
Portland Timbers -106
Minnesota United FC +257
Draw +294
Over/Under 3
Odds Analysis
There’s no place like home, but the Timbers have been surprisingly vulnerable in the Rose City in recent weeks. Portland managed a formidable road schedule superbly at the start of the season, and the club was penciled into the playoffs with so many home games remaining the last few months of the campaign.
It’s been something of a shock to see the Timbers lose four of their last six home games. Portland is typically one of the best home teams in the league, but those struggles currently have the club outside the playoff picture. The offense has been unable to provide much of a threat, scoring just four goals in the last six matches.
Minnesota United were at their best after the international competitions in the summer, earning a result in seven straight matches. Since then, the Loons are 3-3-1, but they have kept pace with the other teams out West. They have lost three of their last four road games, yet their one win was on the road against Los Angeles FC. MNUFC became the first team to beat LAFC on the road this season, holding the club scoreless in a 2-0 win.
Key Absences
There are no injuries to report for Minnesota United ahead of this match, but the hosts are still without some key members. Goalkeeper Jeff Attinella was shut down for the season after undergoing shoulder surgery in late July, and defenders Modou Jadama and Julio Cascante have missed the last few weeks due to injury. Larrys Mabiala and Sebastian Blanco are both questionable, but others that had been injured are finally healthy once more.
Player to Watch
Since being signed from Necaxa four months ago, Brian Fernandez has been superb for Portland. The forward has notched 11 goals in 17 appearances as a member of the Timbers, and he has earned his Designated Player status. Unfortunately, he has been hampered by a stomach virus these last few weeks, and that has affected his play. He appears to be healthy now though, so Portland hopes he can help spark an offense that has been lackluster.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
This is the second meeting between these two clubs this season. The first game in Minnesota was a rather listless affair with neither team having many chances, and it looked set to end in a goalless draw. However, a Mabiala handball in the box led to a Minnesota penalty kick in stoppage time, and Ethan Finlay slotted it home to give the Loons a 1-0 win.
I expect a similar type of low-scoring game, making the under the best play on the board. The draw is a good option too with Portland coming off a midweek game against the New York Red Bulls, giving the Loons some extra rest.
Major League Soccer Odds: Portland Timbers 1, Minnesota United FC 1
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