Austin FC vs. Portland Timbers Prediction, Preview, and Odds - 7/1/21
A matchup that has never happened before will take place on Thursday night when Austin FC hosts Portland. The Timbers are sitting at seventh place in the Western Conference standings following a 1-0 loss to Minnesota United. Austin FC is new to the MLS and is second from the bottom of the standings.
Portland is hampered by injuries
Portland has been struggling in MLS play this season. It is coming off a 1-0 loss to Minnesota United last weekend. Adrien Hunou scored his second MLS goal in two matches in what was the lone goal. Portland is now one point behind Minnesota for fifth place in the standings. Goalkeeper Steve Clark made four saves to keep his team in the match, including a pair of top-notch saves in the second half. The Timbers outshout Minnesota 22-12, but they were unable to put together quality finishing touches. Jeremy Ebobisse missed on a perfect cross 20 minutes into the second half.
The Timbers are without multiple players heading into this match. Ismaila Jome, Jeff Attinella, Jaroslaw Niezgoda, Cristhian Paredes and Andy Polo are all injured. Yimmi Chara and Felipe Mora are both playing internationally right now. Despite all the negatives, Portland is playing much better than it was early in the season. It has not been able to tally many wins, but it has only lost two times in its last six matches. The Timbers got a late goal from Ebobisse against Houston last week, salvaging a 2-2 draw.
Austin continues to struggle in first season
Austin FC is in the midst of a disappointing inaugural MLS campaign. It was founded in 2018, but this is its first season of action. The club has only picked up two wins this year and both of them came in the first three weeks of the season. It has been all downhill since then, outside of a few draws. One of those ties came against Columbus on Sunday, as the teams failed to score. Austin FC played its first eight matches of the season on the road. It has now played two of its last three at home, which have both been scoreless draws.
Goals have been tough to come by, as Austin has only netted six goals all season. It has been shut out in six of its past seven matches and has four ties in its last eight matches. Former Crew goalkeeper Brad Stuver made six saves for the home team. He made three saves on Lucas Zelarayan, including a magnificent one several minutes after halftime. No club in the MLS has scored fewer goals than Austin this season. Fortunately, Stuver has been good enough to keep them in most of their matches.
Pick: (Draw +245)
While I considered a play on Portland as a big road underdog, I think the better play is to take the draw at +245. Austin FC does not have a ton of room for variance right now. Its offense is not capable of putting the ball in the net. Not many teams are able to score on them, though, as Stuver has been fantastic. Portland is without a ton of players, so it’s tough to expect much from its offense. Clark is coming off an awesome match in goal. Oddsmakers are never able to price the draw close to even money, which provides bettors a chance for a good payout on Thursday night.
Total (Under 2.5)
I do not think my pick on the total is going to surprise many people, especially after my analysis on the spread. While taking an under at 2.5 in an MLS match is generally not the best idea, it is the right play in this one. Austin FC has not been able to score all season and it has been even worse over its last few matches. However, Stuver is such a good goalie that he has been able to keep them in matches. Portland is not lighting up the scoreboard either and Clark is coming off one of his best performances of the season.
Teaser
Austin FC will be hoping to score its first home goal of the season on Thursday night when it faces Portland
