Saturday night in the Pacific Northwest the Loons and Timbers will meet for the second and final time in the 2026 season. Both clubs have had a similar season to this point, with both clubs sitting near the playoff line and needing a win. Minnesota has done well on the road, winning five of their eleven matches away from Allianz Field. On the other side of the pitch the Timbers have one of the most ferocious atmospheres in MLS and have only lost three matches at home this season.
Coming off a draw last week against Orlando the Loons attack has looked up in recent weeks. Eight goals in two matches and Kelvin Yeboah in range of single season scoring record has picked up a team who has struggled much of the season. Currently sitting at 9th place in the West with a record of 7-8-7 (29 points), three points are absolutely necessary to keep themselves near if not above the line. Manager Cameron Knowles is extremely familiar with Providence Park, having played there, been an assistant, and a manager in USL at that ground. If Minnesota can keep up their offensive performances they can very much take a massive win and three points away from home.
“Our group’s taken a lot of confidence from the last two games. We were saying that, over the course of the games that preceded that, we created a number of good chances and just hadn’t been able to put them away," said manager Cameron Knowles. "And so to score eight goals in the last two games, I think our group is hungry for more. And they know that we can score goals in different ways, whether that’s set pieces, whether that’s transition or open play. So, I think we’re well prepared going into the game.”
On the flip side Portland enters the match off a loss to Austin FC and having lost their two top scorers. During the recently closed transfer window, Kevin Kelsy headed off to Rangers in Scotland while Felipe Mora headed south to Atlético San Luis in Liga MX. With the loss of both of their top offensive players, the Timbers are caught in a tough spot. Already struggling defensively with one clean sheet and in the bottom ten of goals allowed, this puts more stress on the Timbers. At 11th in West with an 8-4-10 (28 points) record, Portland will have to keep producing on the attack to make the playoffs. But if Minnesota's defence can keep up where it has been for much of the season it will be a long night for the hosts.
News & Notes
Per Cameron Knowles Bongi Hlonwgwane and Peter Stroud remain out due to injury. Hlongwane could be returning to full team training as soon as next week, as reported in yesterdays Training Tidbits.
Drake Callender is expected to start against Portland, having passed concussion protocol throughout the week.
Full pre-match comments from manager Cameron Knowles can be seen over on our YouTube channel.
MNUFC has loaned out defender Devin Padelford to New York Red Bulls for the remainder of the 2026 season.
Minnesota United has brought in defender Cherrion Valerius on loan from NAC Breda. Valerius will join the club following receipt of his P-1 Visa and ITC.
TV time is set for 9:30pm this evening with kickoff happening at approximately 9:39pm. You can watch the match on Apple TV.
Want to watch the match with other supporters, there are plenty of options throughout the metro. Dark Clouds and Red Loons will gather at Black Hart of St. Paul while the Dark Clouds will also have an additional watch party at Beckett's in Minneapolis.
Availability
POR | Out: Alexander Aravena (hip), Brandon Bye (knee), Juan Mosquera (foot/ankle) ; Questionable: None
MIN | Out: Bongokuhle Hlongwane (knee), Peter Stroud (lower extremity); Questionable: None
