The Portland Timbers have wrested control of their own destiny for the playoffs after beating the Vancouver Whitecaps last weekend. The Timbers took home a convincing 3-0 win and as they return home to Providence Park to face the San Jose Earthquakes Sunday (2pm PT, ESPN2), spirits are sure to be high as the defense and offense both appear to build on their momentum. While San Jose has struggled of late, they are eager to make up ground in the Western Conference. Let's take a look at five numbers to know for Sunday.
Five Portland has broken through the red line. After clawing their way back in the Western Conference standings, the Timbers sit at fifth place in the table. After beating Vancouver last weekend, Portland has grabbed seven of the last 12 available points.
1Alvas Powell scored his first MLS goal of his career on Sunday against Vancouver, sending a perfectly-crossed Diego Valeri ball into the near side of the net. Powell made the most of his fourth start of the season, as his strike was the first goal of the match in the 51st minute.
THREE The Timbers recorded a strong defensive effort against Vancouver, picking up their third clean sheet of the season. The Whitecaps had just nine shots to Portland's 14, and the Timbers defense was solid, winning a game-high 53 duels with 16 successful tackles.
0-2-3 San Jose has won zero games since Aug. 8, putting up a record of 0-2-3 over their last five matches. Moreover, the Earthquakes are a -5 in road goal differential for the 2014 season.
Eight There are eight matches left in the season for Portland, starting this weekend against San Jose. With four matches at home and four away, it will be a balanced load for the Timbers looking to grab more points and move up the table.
