Colorado Rapids Host Struggling Portland Timbers in Key MLS Matchup

COMMERCE CITY, Colo. – The Colorado Rapids will look to secure their third consecutive victory against the Portland Timbers on Saturday, March 23, 2025, at Dick's Sporting Goods Park. After a strong start to the season, the Rapids aim to extend their winning streak, while the Timbers seek their first away win since July 2024.

Colorado Rapids head into the match with a record of 2-0-2, having recently defeated San Jose Earthquakes 2-1 after a tough start to the campaign. The Rapids kicked off their season with two draws against St. Louis City and FC Dallas, but solidified their form with a narrow victory over Austin FC where a first-half goal sealed the three points.

“This team has shown resilience and capability,” said Rapids head coach, who noted the importance of maintaining momentum against Portland, a team that has historically performed well against them.

The Rapids currently sit fourth in the Western Conference with eight points from four matches and are among only four unbeaten teams in the league. Although eager for a winning streak, they will need to overcome the challenge posed by a Timbers side that has not lost in their last 16 encounters, winning eight and drawing four since August 2017.

On the other hand, the Portland Timbers, who sit sixth with a record of 1-1-2, are struggling to find their form after a series of inconsistent performances. They played to a disappointing 1-1 draw against LA Galaxy last Sunday, relinquishing a lead to settle for a point.

“We need to turn draws into wins,” said Timbers coach, expressing frustration over recent results. The team’s record includes two losses at home against Vancouver Whitecaps and Nashville before securing a lone victory over Austin.

Portland will head into the match without key players, including 31-year-old forward, who is recovering from a severe knee injury, and several others on international duty. The confluence of injuries and form concerns creates a daunting task for the Timbers.

The Rapids, meanwhile, will face challenges of their own with two critical players also unavailable: defender and first-choice goalkeeper, both on international duty. Colorado’s recent performances have been bolstered by standout play from Brazilian striker Navarro, who has emerged as a key player this season, contributing significantly to the team’s success.

“We need to build on our successes and utilize our home advantage,” Navarro stated ahead of the clash, as the Rapids aim to capitalize on their strong home performance.

This match is poised to be pivotal for both teams; Colorado seeks to assert dominance in the league early in the season, while Portland aims to return to winning form and remain competitive in the playoff race.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. MT.