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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
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7. Portland Makes the Leagues Cup Quarterfinals

Aug 19, 2023; Nashville, TN, USA; Inter Miami CF president David Beckham during the trophy presentation for the Leagues Cup Championship at GEODIS Park. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 19, 2023; Nashville, TN, USA; Inter Miami CF president David Beckham during the trophy presentation for the Leagues Cup Championship at GEODIS Park. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports / Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

As if the second half of the season wasn't crazy enough, trying to compete for a playoff spot in a crowded Western Conference, the Timbers must also start preparing for the League’s Cup tournament, which starts at the end of July. They sit in a group with the Colorado Rapids and Club Leon of Liga MX. The Timber will carry their current momentum and get out of the group stage-- the top two of the three-team group advance to the round of 32-- and will win two games in the knockout rounds to reach the quarterfinals. 

With a stabilized backline, this highly potent offense can see the Timbers in reach of a League Cup final. They will not win the tournament, but an impressive showing can go a long way toward giving this team confidence heading into the season's home stretch.

8. The Timbers Will Be Active in the Transfer Window

Jun 1, 2024; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Timbers fans celebrate a goal during the first half against the Houston Dynamo FC at Providence Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 1, 2024; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Timbers fans celebrate a goal during the first half against the Houston Dynamo FC at Providence Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports / Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports

Even as the Timbers have continued to improve this season, something still seems to be missing. A big piece of the puzzle is still on the horizon, and the Timbers are going to make moves in the summer transfer window. The three positions to speculate over are defender, specifically a center-back, a wing, and a center forward. 

Even if it's a serviceable veteran who could add depth instead of a starter, a center-back would be a great pick-up for Portland. With the defense starting to gel at the right time, you want to make sure that a major injury doesn't halt the improvement. 

A wing does make sense for the Timbers, even if the deal for Dairon Asprilla to leave Portland has officially stalled. Santi Moreno and Antony have been playing consistently lately, and if you want to add even more horsepower to this high-octane offense, an offensive-minded winger next to Rodriguez could cement the Timbers as a playoff team. 

Finally, with Felipe Mora’s injury history, the Timbers should consider a center forward, especially if they want to continue playing Rodriguez on the wing

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