The Portland Timbers secured a playoff spot after the LA Galaxy defeated Austin the day before, and they played to a scoreless draw against FC Dallas on Sunday. Unfortunately, this result didn’t help them climb from their ninth position in the Western Conference standings. FC Dallas, on the other hand, had already been eliminated from playoff contention following a midweek loss to the San Jose Earthquakes.
During the match, FC Dallas had an opportunity in the 66th minute, but Timbers goalkeeper James Pantemis made a crucial save by deflecting Manuel Cafumana’s shot. Portland also had a close chance in the 88th minute when Dallas goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer managed to tip Felipe Mora’s shot over the crossbar.
In an intense game, Pantemis set a career-high with six saves, while Maurer made seven saves on the other end. This match marked the final home game of the season for the Timbers. Following an upcoming international break, Portland will conclude their season on Decision Day, October 19, with an away game against their rivals, the Seattle Sounders.
Looking ahead, the teams finishing in eighth and ninth place in each conference will face off in a single-elimination wild card match. The winner of this match will then proceed to a best-of-three first-round series against the top team in their conference. The Major League Soccer postseason is set to kick off on October 22.
