The Timber Lean
FanSided

8 Predictions for the Second Half of the Season for the Portland Timbers

After a bye week, the Portland Timbers are getting ready to start what is essentially the second half of the season on Wednesday by traveling to San Jose and taking on the Earthquake. Here are eight predictions for the Portland Timbers that will happen by the end of the season.

By Abel Loza

May 18, 2024; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Portland Timbers forward Jonathan Rodriguez (14) celebrates after scoring a goal during the first half against Minnesota United at Allianz Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
May 18, 2024; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Portland Timbers forward Jonathan Rodriguez (14) celebrates after scoring a goal during the first half against Minnesota United at Allianz Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports / Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next

4. The Defense Will Earn Five More Clean in 16 Games

May 15, 2024; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Timbers defender Juan David Mosquera (29) plays the ball defied by San Jose Earthquakes defender Paul Marie (3) in the second half at Providence Park. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
May 15, 2024; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Timbers defender Juan David Mosquera (29) plays the ball defied by San Jose Earthquakes defender Paul Marie (3) in the second half at Providence Park. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports / Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

While the numbers still show them being bad, the defense has turned a corner and has held its own over the last six games. The backline and surprising goalkeeping surprise 

James Pantemis has kept two clean sheets in the last three games. Both games are on the road in tough environments. It's only a matter of time before those performances come at Providence Park to help secure those important three points. 

While five clean sheets may not seem impressive, it's a significant improvement from where the defense was just seven games ago. With eight clean sheets for the season, the team is on track to match its performance from last year. The Timbers could be on the path to the playoffs if the offense can sustain its explosive form.

5. Diego Chara Does Not Retire at the End of the Season

Diego Chara
Portland Timbers v Los Angeles FC / Michael Janosz/ISI Photos/GettyImages

With a playoff run that ends short of the MLS Cup final, Diego Chara stays hungry for at least one more season. He decides not to retire and returns for at least one last season in 2025. Crazy enough, we don't know if that will be with Portland or not, as his contract with the Timbers expires on December 14, 2024. While Chara has lost maybe half a step, he is still an asset to the team and a lockdown defender. 

Chara is also already forming the future of the Timbers CDM with David Ayala and Cristhian Paredes. Chara will be crucial for the Timbers on and off the field. The Timbers will do just enough to resign Chara for at least two more years to stay in Portland. He's a club legend and deserves it.

6. Johnathan Rodriguez Ends the Season Leading the Team in Goals

Brecht Dejaegere, Jonathan Rodriguez
Portland Timbers v Charlotte FC / Steve Limentani/ISI Photos/GettyImages

While Jonathan Rodriguez is not the Timbers' leading scorer, at the moment, that will not be the case at the end of the season. The Uruguayan's current pace—with shots on target and total shots—it's hard to see anyone outperforming the newest Timber this season. If someone does, namely Felipe Mora, that will be a win-win for Portland. That said, Rodriguez will finish the season leading the team in goals. 

Jona is currently third on the team with six goals in 1180 minutes. He has four more shots on target, 17 to 13, than Mora and 23 total shots than Mora. Rodriguez will end the season with 16 goals and over 7.5 in xGoals. As long as Jona stays healthy this season, the Timbers will benefit greatly from this mid-season signing.

Home/Portland Timbers News