Portland Timbers vs. Houston Dynamo Prediction, Preview and Odds-4/24/21

The Portland Timbers began their 2021 MLS campaign on a disappointing note after losing 1-0 on the road to the Vancouver Whitecaps. Portland gave up the only goal of the match in the 49th minute and the Timbers could not respond even though they were given five minutes of additional stoppage time in the second half. Prior to the loss, Portland had defeated Vancouver in three consecutive matches. Portland had two excellent opportunities to score in the first half as Diego Valeri hit the crossbar and Dairon Asprilla sent a free kick into the box late but a bicycle kick from out front sailed high over the crossbar.

Houston opened its MLS campaign with a 2-1 victory over the San Jose Earthquakes. Scoring in the opener for Houston was Memo Rodriguez in the 39th minute and Maximiliano Urruti scored what would eventually be the winner in the 55th minute. Houston gave up a goal to San Jose in the 74th minute but was able to hold on with excellent play from the back line and goalkeeper. A bit of luck was on Houston's side as Chris Wondolowski, the all-time leading scorer in the MLS, missed an opportunity for San Jose with a wide-open net.

Portland needs to put opening loss behind them

The Portland Timbers are expected to battle for first place in the Western Conference with the Seattle Sounders amongst others, and must put the opening match loss to Vancouver behind them before hosting a tough Houston Dynamo 11. An opening match loss for Portland is not that big of a surprise as the Timbers have lost three season openers over the last 4 years and then gone on to play well the rest of the season.

Portland is unbeaten in its last seven matches played at home against Houston with six victories and one draw. Diego Valeri has 51 goals and 54 assists at home at Providence Park since joining the Timbers in 2013 and, only one other player in the MLS that has more goals and assists at home over that same span. Through the first match of the season, Portland has taken seven shots with only two on goal, has committed 14 fouls and has been issued one yellow card.

Houston arrives in Portland with plenty of confidence

Houston picked up all three points in its opening match victory over San Jose and will be full of confidence when visiting the Pacific Northwest on Saturday to play the Timbers. Houston last defeated Portland at Providence Park in 2017 during the postseason. After opening the season with a victory, as Houston did against San Jose last weekend, the Dynamo have gone on to win their second match only three times in the last nine seasons.

Maximiliano Urruti will have sort of a homecoming as the Houston Dynamo striker once played for Portland and scored in his debut last week for Houston in the opening match against San Jose. Urruti also scored in his debut with FC Dallas back in 2016. Houston took 17 shots in his opening match with six on goal against San Jose and the Dynamo were issued three yellow cards in their victory over San Jose in a physical fixture.

Full game pick Houston Dynamo +250

Although the odds are high that Portland will bounce back with a victory at home on Saturday, Houston will surprise many with a tough display on the road. The Dynamo have an extremely strong attack up front led by Urruti and Memo Rodriguez. The Dynamo put six shots on goal against San Jose and had five corners while holding possession only 39% of the time. Houston will bring its midfielders up into the box, risking against a counter attack by Portland, but the Dynamo will come out on top nonetheless.

Full game total prediction: Under 3

Portland was defeated by Vancouver in the opening match of the regular season 1-0 and the Timbers appear to be lacking offensive punch as they only took seven shots overall and put just two on goal. The Dynamo gave up a goal to San Jose but the backline also was able to come up big as the Earthquakes had possession 61% of the time to only 39% for Houston.