Portland Timbers head coach Phil Neville insists he and his players are keeping their feet on the ground ahead of travelling to FC Dallas this Friday. 

The Timbers extended their unbeaten run to seven matches in the MLS following their 3-2 victory over Minnesota United at Providence Park last time out. 

Neville's side are now fifth in the Western Conference table but are among a cluster of teams tightly packed in the middle of the division. 

However, the Portland head coach said that despite his side's recent form, they have achieved nothing but is confident his side will continue to push up the standings. 

"We are keeping our feet on the ground, I think that is massively important," Neville said. 

"If we hadn't scored that last minute goal, we would probably have been down in eighth or ninth. There are a number of teams jostling for positions in the league, so there is a long way to go. 

"We've got now four games before the Leagues Cup. We have a mini points target that we have set ourselves. 

"We want to keep pushing, we know the teams below us are pushing. We have to keep concentrating on ourselves. We are now in fifth, but we have achieved nothing.

"At this moment in time, fifth is not competing. Competing is being up at the top of the league. We are on the climb, we have momentum, we have confidence, we have belief but there is still a long way to go."

For Dallas, they suffered back-to-back league defeats in a narrow defeat to Cincinnati last time out, courtesy of Luca Orellano's second half strike. 

The result leaves Peter Luccin's side in 11th place in the Western Conference table, a point ahead of St. Louis City and seven behind Austin FC. 

However, the Toros will be hopeful of continuing their impressive home record against their opponents at the Toyota Stadium and build momentum ahead of their important league meeting with Kansas City three days later. 

pic.twitter.com/ySE1b0WqfU

— FC Dallas (@FCDallas) June 30, 2024

PLAYERS TO WATCH

FC Dallas – Petar Musa

Petar Musa has been in fine goal-scoring form since his arrival from Benfica in February, notching 11 goal involvements from 19 games for Dallas.

The Toros’ top scorer has four goals in his last three league games, including a hat-trick against Minnesota United, and will be confident of taking his tally into double figures.

Portland Timbers – Evander

Evander grabbed a goal and an assist in the Timbers’ win over Minnesota on Saturday, his seventh match this season with multiple goal contributions.

In doing so, the Brazilian equalled Diego Valeri (2013, 2017) for the most such games in a single regular season by a Timbers player in MLS.

MATCH PREDICTION: FC DALLAS WIN

Dallas will be looking for an immediate return to winning ways following their defeat to FC Cincinnati last time out. The loss was just their third in their last 22 home matches in all competitions (W10 D9) dating back to the start of the Leagues Cup last July. It was also only the second time in that span that Dallas failed to score in a home match.

Luccin’s side hold a favourable record against their opponents and have lost just one of their previous 11 encounters against Portland at the Toyota Stadium (W6 D4), dating back to 2015.

However, the visitors will come into the fixture with confidence following their comeback win over Minnesota. They came from two goals down to win 3-2, having also come back to win the previous time they trailed by two goals (vs. San Jose in May). Prior to these two comebacks, Portland had a record of W1 D11 L100 when trailing by multiple goals in an MLS match.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

FC Dallas – 44.2%

Draw – 26.8%

Portland Timbers – 28.9%

Phil Neville insists Portland Timbers are still "nowhere near" their capabilities, despite an impressive MLS run lifting them up the table ahead of Saturday's clash with Minnesota United.

The Timbers have surged up the Western Conference standings, sitting seventh in the league after a six-game undefeated streak.

Neville's men leapfrogged Vancouver Whitecaps with a commendable 2-0 victory last time out, with this another chance to put pressure on the teams above them.

The former Inter Miami head coach still believes Portland can significantly improve, too.

"It's step by step, we've got a lot of work to do, but we're not getting carried away," Neville said.

"We're keeping our feet firmly on the ground, but we are building confidence, and I think the boys are enjoying what we are doing at the minute.

"I think the longer that continues, the better it is for us. I think this team could still play better. We're nowhere near where we need to be.

"There's a big improvement still needed, we have another opportunity to go here – we're at home, we need to improve our form there, and gaining points here is going to be key to us making the playoffs."

Minnesota are two places above the Timbers despite a three-match losing streak, a run they will be desperate to snap here.

The Loons came away empty-handed once more in their last outing, a 1-0 defeat to Austin FC, but Neville acknowledged the quality his side will face.

"We're against a team that has brilliant players," Neville added. "We're going to have to play better than we did against Vancouver – we're not taking our foot off the gas."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Portland Timbers – Felipe Mora

Felipe Mora scored his ninth goal of the season on Saturday, while Jonathan Rodriguez netted his eighth of 2024.

That pair join Evander (eight goals) to make Portland the only MLS team with three players to have scored at least eight goals this season, though Mora may be the one to keep an eye on against Minnesota.

Minnesota United – Robin Lod

Robin Lod created four chances against Austin, his ninth match with at least that many in an MLS game for the Loons.

The only Minnesota players with more MLS games in which they have created four or more chances are Emanuel Reynoso (24) and Darwin Quintero (14).

MATCH PREDICTION – PORTLAND TIMBERS WIN

Minnesota may boast a favourable head-to-head record in this fixture, but Portland are the favourites for victory here.

Indeed, the Loons have only two of their last 13 meetings with the Timbers in all competitions (won nine, drawn two), including winning the last three in a row.

Yet, Minnesota have never won four straight against Portland, who are in fine defensive form before this clash.

Portland have kept a clean sheet in three of their last five matches, including a 2-0 win over Vancouver on Saturday.

Prior to that, Portland had two shutouts in their previous 31 regular-season games dating back to last June, and another could be on the cards against the out-of-form Loons.

Minnesota dropped their third consecutive game with the loss to Austin, though the Loons have not lost four straight regular-season games since failing in the first four matches of the 2021 season.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Portland Timbers win – 44.8%

Draw – 26.9%

Minnesota United win – 28.3%

Portland Timbers head coach Phil Neville has urged his players to raise their performance levels against the Vancouver Whitecaps in MLS on Saturday.

Portland are currently on a five-match unbeaten streak in the competition and made a winning return from their mid-season break by beating the San Jose Earthquakes 2-1 on Wednesday.

They sit seventh in a tightly contested Western Conference, and Neville admits they need to improve if they want to keep their current form going.

"Even though we got the win against San Jose, the performance was nowhere near good enough," Neville said. "We had 10 days off, and I hope that kind of performance is out of the way.

"Saturday's a big game against Vancouver, and we can't play to that level. We have to keep raising the level. We need to keep pushing and stay in the pack by winning games.

"We're developing a mentality of not accepting defeat, making people accountable for what they're doing, and guys are stepping up."

Meanwhile, Vancouver sit one place and one point above Portland but suffered a disappointing 3-2 defeat to the New England Revolution last weekend.

Having won back-to-back games by 2-1 scorelines before that loss, head coach Vanni Sartini is hopeful his side can make some big improvements ahead of this week's Cascadia derby.

"The challenge is to play better than we did in the last game," he said. "Offensively, we will need to do a lot of things that we normally do well, creating chances and getting men in the box.

"I didn't like the performance of last week, so this week we're focusing on the things that we can do better."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Portland Timbers – Jonathan Rodriguez

While Evanilson is a constant threat for Portland (and their joint-top scorer of the season with eight goals), Rodriguez is close to equalling his tally.

He scored the winner against San Jose on Wednesday, netting his seventh goal of the campaign.

Vancouver Whitecaps – Ryan Gauld

Gauld was a bright spark for Vancouver in their disappointing defeat to New England last weekend, scoring both goals.

He was clinical; despite amassing an xG of just 0.09, he had the joint-most shots (three), scoring with both of his attempts on target and also creating three chances.

MATCH PREDICTION: PORTLAND TIMBERS WIN

The Whitecaps are unbeaten in their last five Cascadia rivalry matches against Portland and the Seattle Sounders (three wins, two draws), their longest such run since a seven-match streak between 2013 and 2014.

They have also won their last two games against the Timbers, recording 3-2 victories both home and away in August 2023 and March 2024.

However, Portland are in great shape, going unbeaten through their last five matches (three wins, two draws), and netting multiple goals in 13 different MLS games this year. Only Inter Miami, with 14, have recorded more such matches.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Portland Timbers – 43.6%

Draw – 23.8%

Vancouver Whitecaps – 29.6%

Portland Timbers have kept back-to-back shutouts on the road in MLS and Phil Neville is hoping that continues when his side visit San Jose Earthquakes on Thursday.

The Timbers overcame Austin FC 2-0 before battling to a goalless draw on their trip to St. Louis City, with a 2-2 home draw coming against Houston Dynamo in between.

That run of form has helped Portland climb up to 10th in the Western Conference and the improvements have not gone unnoticed by head coach Neville.

"I'm seeing improvements in the whole team defensively, not just in the back four, but the defending starts from the front," the former Inter Miami boss said.

"I think, maybe, a month ago we wouldn't have kept that St. Louis clean sheet.

"They are throwing their bodies in the way, using smart play, game management and players are confident in what they are doing, so we are really pleased."

Neville still believes his side can develop further, however.

"[Against St. Louis] we had some moments to score some goals, it was the first time our forward players just didn't have that quality in the final third," Neville added.

"It was a good point, and we've had a rest to get ready for the next one."

The Earthquakes sit bottom of the West standings after a woeful season up to the midway point.

Luchi Gonzalez's side could soon jump off the bottom of the table, however, trailing Sporting Kansas City by just three points.

Yet San Jose will need a minor miracle to save this campaign.

They have conceded nine goals in their last two matches after a 5-1 thrashing by New York City FC followed a 4-2 home humbling by FC Cincinnati.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

San Jose Earthquakes – Jeremy Ebobisse

Jeremy Ebobisse has not scored in six MLS matches against the Timbers since being traded from Portland to San Jose in 2021.

Ebobisse has played more matches without scoring against just one other opponent in his MLS career, failing to find the net in 11 career meetings with Minnesota United.

Portland Timbers – Evander

Evander remains Neville's go-to player in the Portland attack.

The Brazilian has seven goals and as many assists, with no team-mate able to match his 14 direct goal contributions this year in MLS.

MATCH PREDICTION – PORTLAND TIMBERS WIN

The Opta supercomputer struggled to split these two sides, yet Portland appear the favourites for a narrow victory considering recent form and their head-to-head record.

The Timbers have won three straight matches against San Jose in all competitions, their fifth three-match winning streak over the Earthquakes.

However, they have never won four in a row against San Jose – who head into this clash in terrible form.

The Earthquakes have lost 12 of 17 matches this year and their 11 points are tied for the third-fewest at the halfway point of a season since MLS expanded to a 34-game schedule in 2011 (D.C. United – nine in 2013, Toronto FC – 10 in 2012).

Portland have also only lost one of their last six matches, recording 11 points in those games (W3 D2), including going unbeaten in a season-high four straight (W2 D2).

The Timbers have more points in those six matches than they had in their first 12 this season (10 – W2 D4 L6) and will hope to continue that run here.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

San Jose Earthquakes – 35.2%

Portland Timbers – 38.9%

Draw – 26%

Phil Neville believes Portland Timbers' hard work is starting to show ahead of their game against Houston Dynamo on Saturday.

The Timbers have won three of their last four games, including both at home in that run, and sit ninth in the Western Conference.

Against Austin FC on Wednesday, they kept their first clean sheet of the season with a 2-0 victory.

Neville is hopeful Portland can continue to build on their recent momentum as they look to close the gap to the teams above them.

"There's a good cohesion to the team and a good structure. The players are now doing their jobs and doing it to the ability that you expect," Neville said.

"The last two or three games we've seen a continuation of the work we've been doing. We knew we had a lot of work to do to change things here and that it would take time, and I'm super proud of them all.

"If we really believe in what we're doing and have confidence to be the team that we can be, then we have to go again on Saturday. There's no looking back and resting on your laurels. You've got to be ruthless and got to be relentless."

Houston sit eighth in the league, two points better off than Saturday's opponents, and won 3-1 against Colorado Rapids in midweek.

"This is a team that is always thinking to go forward," assistant coach Juan Guerra said.

"We're very focused on playing attractive possession style soccer to go forward and be able to create opportunities. On [Wednesday], it went in, and I hope it keeps going in, starting with Saturday."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Portland Timbers – Evander

Evander scored his seventh goal of the season on Wednesday to go along with five assists in his 12 appearances this season. The only other Timbers player to record 12 goal contributions in his first 12 games of a season was Diego Valeri in his 2017 MVP season.

Houston Dynamo – Latif Blessing

Blessing has found the net in consecutive games for the first time in almost five years, since doing so for Los Angeles FC in August 2019.

Blessing's two goals in the last week came after he had scored just two goals in his previous 89 MLS appearances dating back to the start of the 2021 season.

MATCH PREDICTION: PORTLAND TIMBERS WIN

With their win at Austin on Wednesday, the Timbers have won three of their last four matches (L1) after winning just two of their first 12 matches this season (D4 L6). Portland's 2-0 win over Austin on Wednesday also ended a run of 20 straight matches allowing a goal.

However, the Dynamo have won three straight matches against Portland after going winless in the previous eight meetings (D3 L5). Neither team have managed four straight wins over the other in all competitions.

Houston won for just the second time in nine matches in all competitions with a 3-1 victory over Colorado on Wednesday. It was the Dynamo's first three-goal performance since their last visit to Portland, a 3-1 win on Decision Day last season.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Portland Timbers – 42.1%

Draw – 26.7%

Houston Dynamo – 31.2%

Phil Neville is pleased with the Portland Timbers' recent form but admits they still have a lot to work on as they prepare to face Austin FC on Wednesday.

After a run of nine games without a win in MLS, Portland have now won two of their last three outings, beating Sporting Kansas City 2-1 on Saturday.

That win moved them up to 16 points in the Western Conference, and the Timbers are now just one point behind the ninth-placed Seattle Sounders in a playoff place.

Neville was pleased with his side's reaction to a recent defeat to Minnesota United and is looking forward to building on their upturn.

"We've got two wins out of [last] three and it's what we expect, what we want. We want to keep improving. I think we've seen improvements over the last two or three weeks," he said.

"This group cares, this club cares for its players. And you can never kid a supporter and I think ours realise that we need their help - they did it against [Sporting Kansas City].

"We're building some momentum and it's a nine-point week, a week where you can move. It's a week where you can gain momentum.

"Every game in this league is difficult and now we've got to go on the road to one of the top teams and get a result there."

Austin are unbeaten in their last three matches and sit in fifth place with 23 points. Josh Wolff's side can keep the pressure on the teams above them with another three points at home.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Austin FC – Brendan Hines-Ike

Austin attempted just five shots in their draw with San Jose on Saturday, scoring with their only shot on target, a Brendan Hines-Ike header in the 44th minute. It was the first goal the defender has scored this season.

Portland Timbers – Evander

Evander recorded a goal and an assist in the Timbers' win over Sporting Kansas City on Saturday, his fourth game with at least one of each this year.

He is the second Timbers player with four games with a goal and an assist in a single season after Diego Valeri, who did so three times (2013, 2017, 2019).

MATCH PREDICTION – AUSTIN FC WIN

Austin have won five straight home matches for the first time in club history. Austin have scored in 20 straight home matches in all competitions dating back to last May 31, also the longest streak in club history.

Portland have won four of their last five matches against Austin (one draw) after the Verde won each of the first two meetings. The Timbers have won on their last two visits to Austin, having only managed two wins in their other 30 regular-season matches in Texas.

However, the Timbers are winless in seven straight away matches (two draws, five defeats) including losing the last three in a row. Portland have not had a longer road losing streak in over five years, since losing five straight on their travels in March-April 2019.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Austin FC – 42.4%

Draw – 24.8%

Portland Timbers – 32.8%

Phil Neville has called for Portland Timbers to be more "ruthless" as they aim to get back to winning ways against Sporting Kansas City on Saturday.

The Timbers sit 11th in the Western Conference having won just one of their last 11 matches, though their 4-2 comeback win against 10-man San Jose Earthquakes did come in their last home outing.

Despite their poor run of form, Neville is pleased with what he has seen from his side in recent weeks.

"We do feel as if we're heading in the right direction. There are signs," he said.

"Now it's about us picking up points and making sure we stay in the pack and be more ruthless with what we're doing. It's time that we've got to go out there and deliver."

Kansas City are three points behind Saturday’s opponents in 13th, having failed to win any of their last seven matches.

After a U.S. Open Cup win over FC Tulsa on Wednesday though, midfielder Erik Thommy believes Kansas City can start to build some momentum.

"It's the perfect time for us to turn the season around. We've got to start to collect the points as soon as possible," Thommy said.

"We need the right players on the pitch and look forward while looking at what made us strong in the past. We need to believe in ourselves and trust in yourself and the club. We have to take all of these positive things [from recent matches] into the next game."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Portland – Maxime Crepeau

Portland’s 2-1 defeat to Minnesota marked the 10th straight regular-season match in which they have conceded multiple goals, the longest streak in MLS history. The Timbers have not kept a clean sheet in their last 20 regular-season games dating back to last September, and Crepeau will be hoping to change that.

Kansas City – Johnny Russell

Russell scored his 57th regular-season goal for Kansas City on Saturday, equaling Dom Dwyer for second in the club’s history. Only Preki (71) has scored more goals for Kansas City in regular-season MLS play.

MATCH PREDICTION: PORTLAND TIMBERS WIN

The Timbers have won four straight home matches against Kansas City dating back to 2019. Prior to 2019, Portland had managed just two wins in 10 all-time meetings with SKC at Providence Park (D4 L4).

However, the Timbers have won only one of their last 11 matches (D3 L7) following a 2-1 loss at Minnesota on Saturday. Only CF Montreal (five) have collected fewer points than Portland (six) since this run began in mid-March.

Kansas City are winless in seven straight MLS matches including losing the last four in a row. It has been 13 years since Sporting lost five straight MLS matches, last doing so in April-May 2011.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Portland – 40.3%

Draw – 24.8%

Kansas City – 34.9%

Phil Neville is hoping Portland Timbers can build some momentum with back-to-back victories when they take on Minnesota United FC at Allianz Field on Saturday.

The Timbers recovered from two goals down at half-time to beat San Jose Earthquakes 4-2 in their most recent match, snapping a three-game losing run and a nine-match wait for three points.

Portland are now back up to 11th in the Western Conference, but Neville accepts there is plenty to do if his side are to challenge for a play-off spot.

"The spirit in that second half [against San Jose] was bigger than anything I've seen in football, and I've seen an awful lot in football," Neville said. 

"Those supporters willed the team, willed the ball into the back of the net and that’s what makes me proud to be the manager of this football club. We've got a hell of a lot of work to do. It's a big job and one we'll succeed in.”

Minnesota played out a 2-2 draw with LA Galaxy in their most recent match, as they let slip a half-time lead to trail 2-1 before hitting back late on.

The Loons have now won three and drawn one of their past four games and are second in the West after an impressive start to life under head coach Eric Ramsay.

The Welshman was particularly pleased with his side's first-half performance against Galaxy and is hoping for a full-90 performance when Portland visit.

"I think that's the most complete performance that we've had since I've been here," he told reporters. 

"We're really frustrated overall because it's a game you felt we had complete control of at half-time. I just felt we've taken our foot off their neck in the second half."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Minnesota United - Bongokuhle Hlongwane

Hlongwane opened the scoring for Minnesota in the four-goal draw with Galaxy and enjoys playing against next opponents Portland.

Indeed, the South Africa international has scored in his first three MLS matches against the Timers - the only player in MLS history to do so.

Portland Timbers - Maxime Crepeau

The Timbers may have defeated San Jose in midweek, but they conceded multiple goals for a ninth straight game, equalling the longest streak in a single season in MLS history.

While it is down to the whole defensive unit to keep the opposition out, goalkeeper Crepeau's save percentage of 62 is the second lowest in MLS this season, behind only St. Louis City SC's Roman Burki (61.9 per cent) 

MATCH PREDICTION: MINNESOTA UNITED WIN

Minnesota have won eight of their 13 regular-season meetings with the Timbers, averaging exactly two points per match in those games - the best of any Western Conference team against Portland since United joined MLS in 2017.

The Loons have lost only two of their opening 11 matches this season - never previously have they lost fewer than four games at this stage - and have scored multiple goals in each of their past four outings. 

Portland showed great spirit in fighting back against San Jose - it was the second latest a team has come from two goals down in an MLS match to win by multiple goals - but that is only one of three wins in 13 MLS games this term.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Minnesota United - 48.9%
Draw - 26.6%
Portland Timbers - 24.5%

Phil Neville believes the Portland Timbers have not picked up the points their performances have warranted this season, but he knows the time has come for them to put their foot down ahead of Sunday's Cascadia Derby against the Seattle Sounders. 

Portland sit 12th in the Western Conference standings, below the Sounders on goal difference, after going eight MLS matches without a victory.

Their 10 points through 11 games in 2024 represents their joint-worst return at this point of any MLS campaign (alongside 2014).

Neville, however, believes they have deserved more as they prepare for a run of three home games in their next four.

"I think the first thing to say is we are not making any excuses – the results have not been as good as we wanted," he said.

"We've not got our just rewards but now we look forward to a stretch where we've got to perform better and get better results, we've got to put our foot down on the gas." 

The Sounders have also struggled this term, though they have taken four points from their last two MLS games against the Philadelphia Union (3-2) and LA Galaxy (0-0).

They then overcame Louisville City on penalties in the U.S. Open Cup in midweek, and coach Brian Schmetzer hopes they can carry on their momentum from that game on Sunday. 

"This club has had a long history in the U.S. Open Cup, I like the tournament. It was certainly a challenge against a good, well-coached Louisville team," Schmetzer said.

"We came out on top and hopefully this propels us a little bit in our league play."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Portland Timbers – Maxime Crepeau

Portland have conceded at least once in a club-record 17 successive regular-season matches, allowing 37 goals in that time.

Goalkeeper Crepeau has faced 41 shots so far in MLS this term, preventing 1.13 goals according to Opta's expected goals on target (xGoT) model, conceding 14 times from 15.8 xGoT faced.

Seattle Sounders – Raul Ruidiaz 

Ruidiaz has 12 goals in 16 previous MLS matches against Portland (including playoffs), the most goals scored by any player against the Timbers in MLS play. 

It's also the most goals scored by any MLS player against a single opponent since Ruidiaz made his debut in the competition in July 2018.

MATCH PREDICTION – PORTLAND TIMBERS WIN

The Timbers are unbeaten in six straight matches against the Sounders (four wins, two draws), the longest streak in all competitions by either team in the MLS era of their rivalry. 

Portland have also won their last two home matches against Seattle after the Sounders won four of the previous five meetings at Providence Park.

Seattle's 10 points through 11 matches this season are tied for the second-worst start in club history, having only collected eight points at this stage in 2018. Though the Timbers have been in dismal form themselves lately, this fixture could come at a good time for them.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Portland Timbers – 41.5%

Seattle Sounders – 30%

Draw – 28.5% 

Adilson Malanda says Charlotte FC are working to deliver a full 90-minute performance against the Portland Timbers on Saturday, having seen plenty of points slip away from them late on this year.

Dean Smith's team have slipped to 11th in the Eastern Conference by winning just one of their last five games, drawing one and losing three.

They conceded a 90th-minute winner in last week's 2-1 loss to New York City FC, and late concessions also cost them in a 1-1 draw with FC Cincinnati and a 1-0 defeat at Toronto FC in March.

Defender Malanda says they have focused on setting that right in training this week, explaining: "We know that's one of our problems right now, which we need to fix. 

"We cannot keep giving up goals like that at the end of games. It can kill all the effort we make throughout the whole week. It's tough to accept, but it's part of the game and it happens.

"If you cannot win a game, you have to learn not to lose it, because that has now taken a lot of points away from us."

The Portland Timbers are suffering from almost the opposite problem, giving themselves a mountain to climb in too many games under Phil Neville.

Portland sit 11th in the West amid a seven-game winless streak, last week's 3-2 loss to Los Angeles FC seeing them enter half-time at least two goals down for the third time in five matches.

"We just can't keep giving teams 2-0 starts and expect to win games of football, that's unacceptable and it's on me," Neville said.

"We've got to fix it and we've got to fix it quick. We will do, because we're so close to being a very good team, and if we learn that bit, we'll be a better team."

PLAYERS TO WATCH 

Charlotte FC – Kerwin Vargas 

Vargas opened the scoring for Charlotte in the third minute against New York last week, the 13th time Charlotte had scored in the opening 10 minutes of a regular-season match, tied for the most of any team since they joined the league in 2022 (with the Vancouver Whitecaps and Houston Dynamo).

The Colombian is one of only two Charlotte players with more than one MLS goal to his name this year alongside Patrick Agyemang, while he has also laid on 11 chances for team-mates. 

Portland Timbers – Felipe Mora

With four goals, Mora sits joint-top of Portland's scoring charts for this season, alongside Evander. 

As doubts persist over the Brazilian's fitness, Mora – whose four strikes have come from seven shots worth 2.03 expected goals (xG) for a 57.14 per cent conversion rate – will carry the Timbers' hopes. 

MATCH PREDICTION – CHARLOTTE FC WIN

Saturday's match will be the first ever between Charlotte and Portland, in what will be the Crown's 91st competitive game since joining MLS.

Charlotte saw their 14-game unbeaten home run halted by a 3-0 defeat to Minnesota United on April 21, but they have not lost back-to-back matches on their own turf since March 2023, when they went down to the New England Revolution and Atlanta United.

They will fancy their chances of getting back on track on front of their own fans, with the Timbers' current seven-match winless run their longest in a single season since 2014, when they went eight without victory between March and April.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Charlotte FC – 43.9%

Portland Timbers – 28.5% 

Draw – 27.6%

Phil Neville says it is "hypothetical" to discuss the prospect of Lionel Messi joining Inter Miami.

Messi is only under contract with Paris Saint-Germain until the end of the season and the mercurial forward has been strongly linked with a move to Miami.

Barcelona are also said to be keen to bring Messi back to Camp Nou in what would be a sensational return to a club he made a tearful farewell to in August 2021.

Inter head coach Neville, who signed a new contract on Monday, spoke of his admiration for Messi but refused to be drawn on speculation that he could move to Major League Soccer.

Asked about the possibility of signing Messi, the former Manchester United defender said: "I think that's hypothetical really. The best player in the world, I'm looking forward to seeing him play at the World Cup, alongside other great players.

"We actually let him inside our house about five, six weeks ago, when Argentina were here. I watched all the sessions to see those great players on our pitch one and pitch two. It was something really special for the club.

"And I think when you talk about characters, when you talk about humility, when you talk about the right type of people, that Argentinian squad and staff were absolutely incredible. Incredible towards our football club.

"We had a little scrimmage against them, the MLS 2 [MLS Next Pro] side, you obviously saw the pictures of their players signing autographs; signing arms, signing legs, signing shoes. It was just the most incredible week.

"I think we're really lucky here. We've had Barcelona here, we've had Argentina here, we've got the US national women's team here now, some of the players are training out there now. It's brilliant for this football club, and it shows the level of facility that we've got.

"I'm not going to speculate on any kind of transfer activity, but what I would say is that is exactly the type of character that I saw in that week, that those Argentinian players were a credit to their country, and to their profession."

Inter sporting director Chris Henderson also gave little away when quizzed about potentially bringing Messi to Florida.

He said: "I knew Messi would come up. It's great to be connected with amazing players and our club connected with that. I don't want to comment on someone who's not on our roster and speculation and rumours.

"But obviously, one of the greatest players to ever play the game. As far as the roster and what we're looking to improve for going for next year. I think continuing to look for players who are good in possession under pressure in the final third."

Henderson added: "Messi on any team in the world is going to change that team. I don't want to speculate and talk about him on our team, but he changes every league, every team that he plays for."

A crazy day in MLS saw two 4-4 draws, with Phil Neville complaining Inter Miami had "defended like little boys" as they were held by FC Cincinnati.

Inter required a 97th-minute equaliser from Christopher McVey to rescue a point, despite having led 3-2 entering the final 10 minutes thanks to a first-half Gonzalo Higuain hat-trick.

Brandon Vazquez scored twice to turn the game on its head, leaving Neville furious despite McVey's last-gasp intervention.

"We defended like little boys, we defended naively, we didn't compete, we lacked discipline and concentration," the former Manchester United and Everton defender said. "And that's unacceptable, unacceptable.

"Simple balls into the box we didn't deal with. Simple concentration bits we didn't deal with.

"We are in the stage of the season where concentration is the main thing, concentration will get you to win games of football, and it's not going to be easy; you've just got to defend and do the right things all the time, and defensively we were as poor as we have been all season."

Remarkably, it was not Saturday's first eight-goal draw, as Minnesota United and the Portland Timbers had earlier played out a thriller.

Sebastian Blanco got the scoring started in the first minute, but there was no late drama in this one, with all eight goals netted before the 70-minute mark.

This was the first time in MLS history two matches on the same day have seen both teams score at least four goals, but there was a chasm between the Philadelphia Union and the Houston Dynamo in Saturday's third high-scoring game.

The Union ran out 6-0 winners as Mikael Uhre continued his stunning run of form at Subaru Park, netting either side of half-time for his fifth and sixth goals in his past four home games.

Uhre had also scored twice in a 7-0 defeat of DC United earlier in July, making Philly the first team to win multiple games by a six-goal margin in a single MLS season.

Elsewhere, New York City FC lost ground on the Union in the East as they drew with CF Montreal, while Sebastian Druissi continued his MVP bid by inspiring Austin FC to a 2-0 win at Sporting Kansas City.

"He continues to demonstrate why he deserves that [award]," said Austin coach Josh Wolff.

Manchester United have been proven wrong by David Moyes, who deserved more time at Old Trafford, according to Phil Neville.

Neville left United as a player to join Moyes at Everton and then returned to his former club as part of the new manager's backroom staff in 2013.

But Moyes' United tenure did not go to plan after he was appointed with the backing of outgoing legend Alex Ferguson.

The Red Devils were reigning Premier League champions but finished seventh in a season Moyes failed to see out, sacked with four games remaining.

Since then, Moyes has endured mixed fortunes, struggling at Real Sociedad and suffering relegation with Sunderland before restoring his reputation across two stints with West Ham.

The 59-year-old will lead the Hammers out in a Europa League semi-final against Eintracht Frankfurt on Thursday, with the club on course for a second successive season of European football having been battling relegation when the manager returned to London Stadium.

Meanwhile, United – one place above West Ham in sixth – are turning to Erik ten Hag as their sixth appointment since Ferguson's retirement (including incumbent interim boss Ralf Rangnick).

Neville feels the club would have been better served giving time to the man named as Ferguson's successor.

"If you look back now, it was totally wrong the lack of time that he was given," the Inter Miami head coach told Sky Sports. "It was totally wrong the lack of backing, the lack of finance in terms of the investment that other managers have had.

"I'd say that's the biggest thing. When we both left the club at that time, we needed another season.

"Ten months at Manchester United, in a difficult period when the greatest manager of all time had just left, wasn't enough. He had unbelievable plans to take the club forward in that summer.

"I'd say that, looking back, it was probably one of the biggest mistakes United made since Sir Alex left, not giving David Moyes more time.

"I think he's proven now at West Ham: with time, he can build a football club to sustain, with quality and to be successful.

"That, for me, was probably one of the biggest disappointments in football, when he was sacked by Manchester United."

Inter Miami have been eliminated from the MLS play-off race following a 3-1 defeat to New York City, while San Jose Earthquakes teenager Cade Cowell produced a stunning moment of individual brilliance.

David Beckham's Inter Miami were looking to keep their fading play-off hopes alive on Saturday, however, second-half goals from New York City pair Valentin Castellanos and Talles Magno dashed that dream.

Inter Miami had never taken a point against New York City in their three previous meetings, losing all three. New York City were one of two teams Inter Miami had faced more than once without claiming a point, along with DC United.

That drought continued despite Inter Miami defender Jorge Figal initially cancelling out Castellanos' 33rd-minute opener at DRV PNK Stadium, where co-owner Beckham was in attendance.

But New York City – third in the Eastern Conference – hit back via Castellanos and Magno to clinch a play-off spot thanks to results elsewhere as Inter Miami were left to pick up the pieces in Phil Neville's first season as head coach.

Cade Cowell, meanwhile, scored a memorable solo goal as the Earthquakes outlasted Real Salt Lake 4-3 in a wild showdown.

The 18-year-old collected the ball in his own half with 21 minutes remaining before barging down the right flank, cutting in between two RSL defenders and finishing past David Ochoa with the outside of his boot.

Elsewhere, Fabio netted a dramatic stoppage-time winner as New York Red Bulls edged Montreal 1-0 to move into the seventh and final play-off spot in the east.

Defending champions Columbus Crew kept their slim play-off hopes alive with a 3-1 win over DC United, Toronto and Atlanta United drew 1-1 and 10-man Dallas edged Austin 2-1.

Inter Miami had their six-match unbeaten streak snapped by New York Red Bulls, who cruised to a 4-0 victory in MLS.

Former Manchester United utility Phil Neville – current head coach of the franchise co-owned by ex-Red Devils team-mate David Beckham – had overseen a club-first run of three consecutive victories.

Inter Miami were also in the midst of their best undefeated run in the team's young existence, having kept four straight clean sheets for the first time in their history.

However, 10-man Inter Miami crashed back down to earth at the hands of the visiting Red Bulls on Friday.

Patryk Klimala opened the scoring in the 18th minute before Red Bulls team-mate Omir Fernandez doubled the lead just past the half-hour mark at DRV PNK Stadium, where Inter Miami defender Nicolas Figal was sent off following a second yellow card prior to the interval.

The Red Bulls had collected just six points over their last 10 matches (W1 D3 L6) following a 2-1 loss to Columbus Crew on Tuesday – the fewest points New York have collected in any 10-game span since totalling just four points (W1 D1 L8) in June-August 2009.

But the Red Bulls emerged victorious after Fabio sealed the points with a second-half brace.

Inter Miami are eighth in the Eastern Conference, a point outside the play-off positions, while the 11th-placed Red Bulls are six points further back.

On Friday, Beckham increased his stake at Inter Miami, with the former United, England and Real Madrid winger "more committed than ever" to the MLS club.