Match previews and recaps to help you decide which games are worth watching

Futmetrix Verdict
96
FT
Sun, Sep 6
Portland Timbers
5-4
Minnesota United FC
⚡ Intensity 100
⚖️ Balance 100
🏆 Stakes 0
🎲 Upset 0
Nine goals of pure MLS madness.

Win Probability

  • Portland Timbers 44%
  • Draw 26%
  • Minnesota United FC 31%

Futmetrix AI estimate

Nine-Goal Mayhem at Providence Park

Must-Watch Futmetrix Score: 96/100. Vincent Janssen’s sensational hat-trick anchored a wildly unpredictable shootout that will go down as a modern classic.

Early Fireworks

The Stakes were firmly centered around climbing the Western Conference ladder, but both sides played with the desperation of a cup final. Portland Timbers threw the first punch in this unforgettable showdown when Vincent Janssen confidently converted an 11th-minute penalty. Our verdict on that early strike? It only served to wake up the visitors. Minnesota United FC refused to sit back. They dominated possession, controlling 60% of the ball while relentlessly pressing higher up the pitch. Their aggressive response forced mistakes, highlighted when an unfortunate own goal off Drake Callender squared the match at 1-1. The Balance of power was utterly non-existent as the midfield battle evaporated completely. It turned into a pure track meet, with both sides completely abandoning defensive structure in favor of all-out attacking warfare at Providence Park.

A Brutal Goal Flurry

The Intensity went completely off the charts as the first half rolled on, delivering one of the wildest sequences this league has seen all year. Janssen secured his second goal to restore the home advantage, only for Marcus Caldeira to ignite a fierce response. Caldeira bagged a remarkable brace, helping fuel a sequence where three goals exploded into the net over a frantic 11-minute window. Every time Minnesota surged forward, eventually racking up 17 shots and threatening to run away with the tie, Portland delivered a devastating counter-punch. Janssen cemented his hero status by completing a rare hat-trick in the 55th minute. He proved absolutely clinical, punishing a Minnesota backline that looked disjointed in transition. The visitors moved the ball well, but their inability to handle direct counter-attacks kept the door wide open for the hosts to capitalize on every major defensive lapse.

Surviving the Storm

With the scoreboard looking more like a baseball result, Kristoffer Velde stepped up to provide what would ultimately become the critical blow in the 71st minute. Substitutions altered the tactical landscape entirely, keeping the chaotic tempo alive until the final whistle. The Loons threw bodies forward in a desperate search for parity. Substitute Tomás Chancalay manufactured massive late drama, slotting home a 90th-minute goal that sent a massive Upset Factor warning through the stands. However, the hosts locked down their penalty area during stoppage time to survive the barrage. This wild 5-4 victory hands Portland a crucial three points, pushing them to 24 points on the season. Minnesota will rue their defensive frailties despite their attacking brilliance. Ultimately, fans witnessed an absolute classic that showcased the very best—and worst—of both teams' tactical setups.

Key Questions

What made V. Janssen the Man of the Match?

He was utterly ruthless in the final third, scoring a brilliant hat-trick from just a handful of chances to single-handedly drag Portland to a 5-4 victory.

What caused the 9-goal thriller?

A perfect storm of high-pressing offenses, shattered defensive lines, and relentless counter-attacks. The lead changed hands six times as both midfields completely lost control of the tempo.

Did Portland Timbers deserve the late equalizer?

Minnesota actually scored the late 90th-minute goal via Chancalay, but Portland deserved their overall 5-4 win for their sheer clinical efficiency on the counter-attack despite holding less possession.

What is the Futmetrix Score?

The Futmetrix Score is our 0-100 verdict on how entertaining a match is. We look at intensity, balance, stakes, and star quality to tell you if it's worth your time.

Match Statistics

Possession
40%
60%
Portland Timbers 40%
Minnesota United FC 60%
Shots
11
17
Portland Timbers 11
Minnesota United FC 17
Shots on Target
5
8
Portland Timbers 5
Minnesota United FC 8
Passes
544
536
Portland Timbers 544
Minnesota United FC 536
Corners
4
3
Portland Timbers 4
Minnesota United FC 3
Fouls
12
18
Portland Timbers 12
Minnesota United FC 18
Yellow Cards
1
3
Portland Timbers 1
Minnesota United FC 3
Red Cards
0
0
Portland Timbers 0
Minnesota United FC 0

Match Events

11' Vincent Janssen
20' Drake Callender
Michael Boxall 🟨 24'
26' Vincent Janssen (David Da Costa)
Marcus Caldeira (Joaquín Pereyra) 32'
Anthony Markanich (Kelvin Yeboah) 37'
37' 🔄 Jose Caicedo Julio Joao Ortiz Landazuri
45'+7 🟨 Finn Surman
HT
Marcus Caldeira 50'
55' Vincent Janssen (Ariel Lassiter)
68' 🔄 Vincent Janssen Diego Chará
69' 🔄 Ariel Lassiter Antony
71' Kristoffer Velde (Antony)
Marcus Caldeira Tomás Chancalay 🔄 72'
Wil Trapp Nectarios Triantis 🔄 72'
Kelvin Yeboah Maurice Malone 🔄 78'
81' 🔄 Eric Miller Joel Waterman
82' 🔄 David Da Costa Ian Smith
Owen Gene Carlos Harvey 🔄 88'
Anthony Markanich Mauricio González Carabalí 🔄 88'
Tomás Chancalay (Carlos Harvey) 90'+2
Morris Duggan 🟨 90'+6
FT

Player Cards

Our take on every player in this match

Portland Timbers

Goalkeepers
James Pantemis
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Defenders
Eric Miller
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
9
Late Mins
9
Late Mins
81
Total Mins
81
Entry
Finn Surman
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Kamal Miller
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Jimer Fory
WALL
WALL
0
Dribbled Past
0
Dribbled Past
3
Tackles
83%
Duel Win %
Midfielders
Cole Bassett
PROVOCATEUR
PROVOCATEUR
4
Fouls Won
4
Fouls Won
6
Duels Won
0
Pens Won
José Luis Caicedo
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
37
Total Mins
37
Entry
David Costa
PROVIDER
PROVIDER
1
Assists
1
Assists
1
Key Passes
6.9
Rating
Forwards
Kristoffer Velde
MAGNET
MAGNET
53
Activity
53
Activity
42
Passes
11
Duels
Vincent Janssen
HATMAN
HAT-TRICK HERO
3
Goals
3
Goals
3
On Target
9.7
Rating
Ariel Lassiter
PROVIDER
PROVIDER
1
Assists
1
Assists
1
Key Passes
6.8
Rating
BENCH
Hunter Sulte
SPECTATOR
SPECTATOR
0
Saves
0
Saves
0
Conceded
0
Minutes
Alexander Bonetig
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Ian Smith
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
8
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Joel Waterman
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
9
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Diego Chará
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
22
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Joao Ortiz
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
53
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Antony
PROVIDER
PROVIDER
1
Assists
1
Assists
1
Key Passes
7.0
Rating
Omir Fernandez
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Andrew Guerra
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry

Minnesota United FC

Goalkeepers
Drake Callender
FRIENDLY FIRE
FRIENDLY FIRE
Own Goal
Mistake
Own Goal
Mistake
0
Fouls
5.3
Rating
Defenders
Jefferson Díaz
WALL
WALL
0
Dribbled Past
0
Dribbled Past
3
Tackles
46%
Duel Win %
Michael Boxall
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Morris Duggan
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Anthony Markanich
SNIPER
SNIPER
100%
Conversion
100%
Conversion
1
Goals
1
Shots
Midfielders
Kyle Duncan
STORMTROOPER
STORMTROOPER
2
Shots
2
Shots
0
Goals
0
On Target
Owen Gene
MAGNET
MAGNET
71
Activity
71
Activity
63
Passes
8
Duels
Wil Trapp
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
72
Total Mins
72
Entry
Joaquín Pereyra
PROVOCATEUR
PROVOCATEUR
3
Fouls Won
3
Fouls Won
5
Duels Won
0
Pens Won
Forwards
Marcus Caldeira
HITMAN
HITMAN
2
Goals
2
Goals
2
On Target
8.6
Rating
Kelvin Yeboah
PROVIDER
PROVIDER
1
Assists
1
Assists
1
Key Passes
7.1
Rating
BENCH
Alec Smir
SPECTATOR
SPECTATOR
0
Saves
0
Saves
0
Conceded
0
Minutes
Fernando Romero
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Kieran Chandler
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Nectarios Triantis
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
18
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Aziel Jackson
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Carlos Harvey
PROVIDER
PROVIDER
1
Assists
1
Assists
1
Key Passes
6.2
Rating
Maurice Malone
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
12
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Mauricio Gonzalez
LATE SHIFT
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
2
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Tomás Chancalay
CLUTCH HERO
CLUTCH HERO
90
Goal Time
90
Goal Time
Goal
Impact
7.2
Rating

Head to Head

Date Home Score Away Competition Venue
04/19/2026 Minnesota United FC 2 - 0 Portland Timbers Major League Soccer Allianz Field
08/31/2025 Minnesota United FC 1 - 1 Portland Timbers Major League Soccer Allianz Field
07/20/2025 Portland Timbers 1 - 1 Minnesota United FC Major League Soccer Providence Park
06/30/2024 Portland Timbers 3 - 2 Minnesota United FC Major League Soccer Providence Park
05/19/2024 Minnesota United FC 2 - 1 Portland Timbers Major League Soccer Allianz Field
07/02/2023 Minnesota United FC 4 - 1 Portland Timbers Major League Soccer Allianz Field
05/21/2023 Portland Timbers 0 - 1 Minnesota United FC Major League Soccer Providence Park
09/11/2022 Portland Timbers 1 - 0 Minnesota United FC Major League Soccer Providence Park
07/30/2022 Minnesota United FC 4 - 4 Portland Timbers Major League Soccer Allianz Field
11/21/2021 Portland Timbers 3 - 1 Minnesota United FC Major League Soccer Providence Park
04/19/2026
Major League Soccer Allianz Field
08/31/2025
Major League Soccer Allianz Field
07/20/2025
Major League Soccer Providence Park
06/30/2024
Major League Soccer Providence Park
05/19/2024
Major League Soccer Allianz Field
07/02/2023
Major League Soccer Allianz Field
05/21/2023
Major League Soccer Providence Park
09/11/2022
Major League Soccer Providence Park
07/30/2022
Major League Soccer Allianz Field
11/21/2021
Major League Soccer Providence Park
Portland Timbers Win
Minnesota United FC Win
Draw

League Standings

Pos Team P Pts GF GA GD Form
1 Vancouver Whitecaps 19 37 41 17 +24 LVancouver Whitecaps 1 - 3 St. Louis City (06-09-2026)WSporting Kansas City 0 - 3 Vancouver Whitecaps (30-08-2026)WVancouver Whitecaps 5 - 0 FC Dallas (23-08-2026)LVancouver Whitecaps 0 - 1 Houston Dynamo (20-08-2026)WSeattle Sounders 0 - 2 Vancouver Whitecaps (17-08-2026)
2 Colorado Rapids 19 31 26 19 +7 WColorado Rapids 1 - 0 Real Salt Lake (30-08-2026)LSan Diego 3 - 0 Colorado Rapids (23-08-2026)WColorado Rapids 1 - 0 Los Angeles FC (20-08-2026)WColorado Rapids 2 - 0 Sporting Kansas City (16-08-2026)WColorado Rapids 1 - 0 Austin (02-08-2026)
3 St. Louis City 19 31 30 27 +3 WVancouver Whitecaps 1 - 3 St. Louis City (06-09-2026)DSt. Louis City 3 - 3 FC Dallas (30-08-2026)WSt. Louis City 2 - 1 Houston Dynamo (23-08-2026)DSporting Kansas City 1 - 1 St. Louis City (20-08-2026)WSan Jose Earthquakes 1 - 3 St. Louis City (16-08-2026)
4 Los Angeles FC 20 30 27 21 +6 DReal Salt Lake 2 - 2 Los Angeles FC (06-09-2026)DLos Angeles FC 1 - 1 Portland Timbers (23-08-2026)LColorado Rapids 1 - 0 Los Angeles FC (20-08-2026)LLos Angeles FC 0 - 1 San Diego (16-08-2026)DVancouver Whitecaps 1 - 1 Los Angeles FC (01-08-2026)
5 Houston Dynamo 18 29 24 24 0 DHouston Dynamo 0 - 0 San Jose Earthquakes (30-08-2026)LSt. Louis City 2 - 1 Houston Dynamo (23-08-2026)WVancouver Whitecaps 0 - 1 Houston Dynamo (20-08-2026)WHouston Dynamo 1 - 0 Los Angeles Galaxy (16-08-2026)WSporting Kansas City 0 - 2 Houston Dynamo (02-08-2026)
6 San Jose Earthquakes 18 28 34 25 +9 DAustin 1 - 1 San Jose Earthquakes (06-09-2026)DHouston Dynamo 0 - 0 San Jose Earthquakes (30-08-2026)LSan Jose Earthquakes 1 - 5 Minnesota United FC (23-08-2026)LLos Angeles Galaxy 1 - 0 San Jose Earthquakes (20-08-2026)LSan Jose Earthquakes 1 - 3 St. Louis City (16-08-2026)
7 Portland Timbers 19 27 38 35 +3 WPortland Timbers 5 - 4 Minnesota United FC (06-09-2026)LPortland Timbers 1 - 2 Austin (30-08-2026)DLos Angeles FC 1 - 1 Portland Timbers (23-08-2026)WPortland Timbers 3 - 1 San Diego (20-08-2026)WPortland Timbers 2 - 1 Seattle Sounders (02-08-2026)
8 FC Dallas 19 27 36 38 -2 WFC Dallas 4 - 3 Sporting Kansas City (06-09-2026)DSt. Louis City 3 - 3 FC Dallas (30-08-2026)LVancouver Whitecaps 5 - 0 FC Dallas (23-08-2026)WReal Salt Lake 3 - 4 FC Dallas (20-08-2026)WAustin 1 - 2 FC Dallas (17-08-2026)
9 Real Salt Lake 19 26 32 29 +3 DReal Salt Lake 2 - 2 Los Angeles FC (06-09-2026)LColorado Rapids 1 - 0 Real Salt Lake (30-08-2026)LReal Salt Lake 3 - 4 FC Dallas (20-08-2026)DReal Salt Lake 1 - 1 Minnesota United FC (16-08-2026)DSt. Louis City 1 - 1 Real Salt Lake (02-08-2026)
10 San Diego 20 26 32 30 +2 WSan Diego 3 - 1 Los Angeles Galaxy (30-08-2026)WSan Diego 3 - 0 Colorado Rapids (23-08-2026)LPortland Timbers 3 - 1 San Diego (20-08-2026)WLos Angeles FC 0 - 1 San Diego (16-08-2026)DMinnesota United FC 1 - 1 San Diego (02-08-2026)
11 Seattle Sounders 18 24 21 25 -4 LSeattle Sounders 1 - 2 Austin (20-08-2026)LSeattle Sounders 0 - 2 Vancouver Whitecaps (17-08-2026)LPortland Timbers 2 - 1 Seattle Sounders (02-08-2026)LAustin 3 - 1 Seattle Sounders (23-07-2026)LSeattle Sounders 1 - 5 Portland Timbers (17-07-2026)
12 Minnesota United FC 17 22 24 25 -1 LPortland Timbers 5 - 4 Minnesota United FC (06-09-2026)WSan Jose Earthquakes 1 - 5 Minnesota United FC (23-08-2026)DReal Salt Lake 1 - 1 Minnesota United FC (16-08-2026)DMinnesota United FC 1 - 1 San Diego (02-08-2026)DMinnesota United FC 0 - 0 Vancouver Whitecaps (26-07-2026)
13 Austin 18 19 21 33 -12 DAustin 1 - 1 San Jose Earthquakes (06-09-2026)WPortland Timbers 1 - 2 Austin (30-08-2026)WSeattle Sounders 1 - 2 Austin (20-08-2026)LAustin 1 - 2 FC Dallas (17-08-2026)LColorado Rapids 1 - 0 Austin (02-08-2026)
14 Los Angeles Galaxy 18 18 19 29 -10 LSan Diego 3 - 1 Los Angeles Galaxy (30-08-2026)WLos Angeles Galaxy 1 - 0 San Jose Earthquakes (20-08-2026)LHouston Dynamo 1 - 0 Los Angeles Galaxy (16-08-2026)DLos Angeles Galaxy 0 - 0 FC Dallas (02-08-2026)DSan Jose Earthquakes 1 - 1 Los Angeles Galaxy (26-07-2026)
15 Sporting Kansas City 19 14 19 47 -28 LFC Dallas 4 - 3 Sporting Kansas City (06-09-2026)LSporting Kansas City 0 - 3 Vancouver Whitecaps (30-08-2026)DSporting Kansas City 1 - 1 St. Louis City (20-08-2026)LColorado Rapids 2 - 0 Sporting Kansas City (16-08-2026)LSporting Kansas City 0 - 2 Houston Dynamo (02-08-2026)