Valentino calls for focus on present despite winless streak

The Portland Timbers have kept back-to-back shutouts on the road in MLS and Phil Neville hopes that continues when his team travels to the San Jose Earthquakes on Thursday.

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

This form has helped Portland rise to 10th in the Western Conference and the improvements have not gone unnoticed by head coach Neville.

“I see defensive improvements throughout the team, not just in the back four, but also in the defense from the front,” said the former Inter Miami coach.

“I think maybe a month ago we wouldn’t have kept this clean sheet in St. Louis.

“They put their bodies forward, use intelligent play, game management and the players have confidence in what they are doing, so we are really happy.”

Neville, however, still believes his team can develop further.

“(Against St. Louis) we had a few moments to score goals, it was the first time our attackers just didn’t have that quality in the final third,” Neville added.

“It was a good point and we rested to prepare for the next one.”

The Earthquakes sit at the bottom of the West standings after a dismal season until the halfway point.

However, Luchi Gonzalez’s side could soon climb out of the bottom of the standings, sitting just three points behind Sporting Kansas City.

However, San Jose will need a small miracle to save this campaign.

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

PLAYERS TO WATCH

San José 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 gone 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 Woods–Evander

Evander remains Neville’s go-to player in Portland’s offense.

The Brazilian has seven goals and as many assists, with no teammate capable of matching his 14 direct goals this year in MLS.

MATCH PREDICTION – PORTLAND TIMBERS WINS

Supercomputer Opta has struggled to split these two teams, but Portland looks favorite for a close win given their recent form and head-to-head record.

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

However, they have never won four in a row against San Jose – who enter this clash in terrible shape.

The Earthquakes have lost 12 of 17 games this year and their 11 points are tied for third most at midseason since MLS expanded its schedule to 34 games in 2011 (DC United – nine in 2013, Toronto FC – 10 in 2012).

Portland has also lost just one of its last six matches, recording 11 points in those games (3 wins, 2 draws), including going undefeated in a season-high four straight games (2 wins, 2 draws). 2 draws).

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

PROBABILITY OF WINNING OPTA

Earthquakes in San Jose – 35.2%

Portland wood – 38.9%

Draw – 26%