Portland Timbers vs. Austin FC MLS Picks, Odds, Predictions 7/1/2021

Austin FC and Portland Timbers meet Thursday night in MLS action at Q2 Stadium. Austin FC could use a positive result with them sitting at the bottom of the West with a 2-5-4 record. Portland Timbers are 4-5-1 on the season, currently the seventh best team in the West.

Austin FC are riding the struggle bus right now and a lot of it has to do with an offense that’s produced just six goals on the season. Those six goals are currently the fewest in the MLS. Austin FC is averaging 3.9 shots on goal, 13.3 shots per game and 51 percent possession. Cecilio Domínguez leads Austin FC with three goals, Zan Kolmanic has two assists and Tomás Pochettino has 21 shots. Austin FC are averaging 3.3 blocked shots per game, 4.9 saves and 10.6 fouls. Brad Stuver has allowed 11 goals and has a 83.1 save percentage.  

Portland Timbers have had their struggles on the road this season where they’re 1-3-1. Portland Timbers are averaging 3.9 shots on goal, 14.5 shots per game and 46 percent possession. Dairon Asprilla leads Portland with three goals, Felipe Mora has two assists and Diego Valeri has 21 shots. Portland Timbers are averaging 3.2 blocked shots per game, 2.5 saves and 11.9 fouls. Hunter Sulte has allowed give goals and has a 37.5 save percentage while Steve Clark has allowed three goals and has a 70 save percentage.

Portland Timbers have to prove they can play well on the road before I can back them in a spot like this. Austin FC is due for a bounce back performance and has to feel like its close to finally getting a positive result. In terms of a pick, I’m leaning toward the under. Austin FC has pitched shutouts in two of its last three matches and both of those games resulted in zero goals scored. Portland isn’t consistent on the road. Goals should be hard to come by here.

Give me the under 2.5 goals.