Portland Timbers vs San Jose Earthquakes - Match Preview
- Portland Timbers have won three of the last six meetings between these clubs.
- Portland are 11th in MLS 2025 with 26 points from 16 games, four more than 17th-placed San Jose Earthquakes who have 22 from 17.
- The Timbers have won four, drawn three and lost only one of their eight MLS home games, scoring 1.62 goals per game and conceding an average of 1.38.
Timbers can edge a classic in Oregon
Portland Timbers have a little more momentum coming into Saturday’s Western Conference clash with San Jose Earthquakes, but the Quakes could make it close in a key MLS playoff battle.
This Portland Timbers vs San Jose Earthquakes preview examines how the Timbers are four points better off in the standings after winning four, drawing three and losing only once at home in MLS 2025.
San Jose Earthquakes have won two, drawn two and lost one of their past five, which includes a 1-0 away win over LA Galaxy and a 2-1 away defeat to Saint Louis City SC.
In between those two games, they drew 3-3 with Houston Dynamo.
The Quakes have been more exciting since Bruce Arena took over as head coach in January 2025, but he has found it tough to stop his team leaking goals.
They will match up well against Timbers, who are more disciplined and structured under Phil Neville’s tutelage that began at the start of 2024.
Both teams to score appeals
The contrast in styles should make for an entertaining match that Portland will edge because of their home form.
After recovering from a 1-0 defeat away to Orlando City SC, the home side have won one and drawn one of their two games at Providence Park.
They host a San Jose team that haven't triumphed in either of their last two away fixtures against Portland Timbers, although they won 1-0 in the USA US Open Cup 2025 a fortnight ago.
Both teams to score will be our main selection for this clash as the visitors are always looking to get forward, but also leave gaps that the home team can exploit, according to our Portland Timbers vs San Jose Earthquakes betting tips.
Timbers have the balance to edge it
Portland are a slight favourite with the bookies at 2.45, but the draw is 3.75 with San Jose Earthquakes being the underdogs. Analyzing the current Portland Timbers vs San Jose Earthquakes odds, Portland will be the more structured and cohesive unit on Saturday with Arena’s team being the more unpredictable and potentially explosive.
Antony remains the top scorer for the hosts in MLS 2025 with five goals in 16 appearances, but Kevin Kelsy has scored two of the team’s last six to become a threat in the final third.
Preston Judd has chipped in with two goals in San Jose Earthquakes’ last five while Cristian Arango is their star man with nine goals in just 13 appearances to give them a boost in the Golden Boot race.
In summary, our Portland Timbers vs San Jose Earthquakes prediction sees Portland having the edge due to their balanced approach and form at home, but expect San Jose to provide plenty of attacking threat. Ultimately, this Portland Timbers vs San Jose Earthquakes prediction highlights the likelihood of a close, high-scoring encounter.
