Two Western Conference clubs still in danger of falling from the top six will collide this Saturday as the Portland Timbers host Sporting Kansas City at Providence Park.
The Timbers are coming off a huge 2–1 win over Columbus Crew SC in their last Major League Soccer (MLS) match to end a four-match winless streak and keep their playoff spot.
Before the victory, Portland had a draw with Houston Dynamo (2–2), a defeat to Seattle Sounders FC (2–1), a scoreless draw with Kansas City and another loss to the New York Red Bulls (2–0).
The win over Columbus gave the Timbers 44 points to take the last playoff spot in the West, a point above seventh placer San Jose Earthquakes (43 points) and six points behind conference leaders and defending MLS champions LA Galaxy (50 points).
Portland forward Fanendo Adi starred in their victory over the Crew recording a brace, which gave him a total of 12 goals this season to lead the club.
Meanwhile, Sporting KC are trying to have consistency with the regular season about to end.
In their past five matches, the Wizards had one win, two losses, and two draws including their last league match against the Rave Green which ended at 1–1.
Sporting currently hold the fifth spot in the West with 45 points, a point ahead of the last playoff spot where their last Saturday's opponents, the Timbers, are positioned.
The Timbers and Wizards have already met twice this season with all their matches, which were held in August and last month ending in scoreless draws.
A win would be huge for both clubs since it will give them cushion in a tight playoff race in the conference.
But a loss would put them in danger of missing the playoffs with a few games remaining in each of the clubs' schedules.
The match between the Portland Timbers and Sporting Kansas City will be held on Saturday, Oct. 3, at 10:30 p.m. EST. To watch via live stream, click here.
