The Portland Timbers have secured a spot in the MLS Cup Playoffs and will avoid the Wild Card round after a 2‑0 victory over Austin FC on Saturday. Forward Ariel Lassiter opened the scoring in the third minute, and midfielder Kristoffer Velde added an insurance goal in the second half.
Playoff schedule released
The league announced the full schedule for the opening round of the playoffs. As the No. 7 seed, the Timbers travel to Frisco, Texas, to face second‑seeded FC Dallas in Game 1 on Saturday, Nov. 21 at 1 p.m. The match will be played at Toyota Stadium, giving Dallas a home‑field advantage for the first contest.
Portland will then host Game 2 at Providence Park on Saturday, Nov. 28 at 7:30 p.m. The Timbers hope to capitalize on their home crowd and the familiar turf to even the series. If the teams split the first two games, a decisive Game 3 is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 2 back in Texas.
Tickets on sale
Tickets for the Nov. 28 showdown go on sale Monday. Season ticket holders will have the first opportunity to purchase seats, followed by the general public at 2 p.m. The Timbers organization encourages fans to buy early, noting that the playoff atmosphere at Providence Park is one of the most vibrant in the league.
What the win means for Portland
By defeating Austin FC, the Timbers not only earned a playoff berth but also avoided the single‑elimination Wild Card round, giving them a chance to rest and prepare for the best‑of‑three series. Coach Giovanni Savarese praised his squad’s disciplined performance, emphasizing the importance of early goals and defensive solidity.
Local supporters have expressed excitement about the upcoming home game, citing the team’s recent resurgence and the community’s strong soccer culture. The Timbers’ fan base, known for its passionate chants and family‑friendly environment, is expected to fill Providence Park, reinforcing the club’s role as a unifying force in the Portland area.
Looking ahead
If the Timbers win Game 2, they will force a decisive Game 3 in Texas, where the series will shift back to Toyota Stadium on Dec. 2. The outcome of the series will determine which team advances to the conference semifinals, moving one step closer to a chance at the MLS Cup.
Both clubs have emphasized the importance of the playoff format, which rewards consistency and depth. FC Dallas, coming off a strong regular‑season performance, will look to leverage its home‑field advantage in Game 1, while the Timbers aim to prove that their recent form can translate into postseason success.
Fans are encouraged to follow the Timbers’ official channels for updates on ticket availability, game times, and any potential schedule changes due to weather or other factors.
Original reporting: KPTV FOX 12 Portland (news) — read the source article.
