12th in Western Conference
\n14 points, 4W-7L-2D<\/p>\n
Near the halfway point of the regular season, Portland are five points behind the LA Galaxy<\/a> for the West’s ninth and final Audi MLS Cup Playoffs spot.<\/p>\n To narrow the gap, striker Kevin Kelsy<\/a> will be counted on alongside Designated Players Kristoffer Velde<\/a> and David Da Costa<\/a>.<\/p>\n The trio has produced 4g\/7a across Portland’s past three matches, which includes a club-record 6-0 rout<\/a> of Sporting Kansas City<\/a> in their last home match.<\/p>\n Steadied by center back Finn Surman<\/a>, who will represent New Zealand<\/a> at this summer’s World Cup, Portland hope to keep building momentum against a formidable opponent.<\/p>\n Kristoffer Velde: The former Olympiacos star is eager to take the mantle as Portland’s premier attacking threat. Canadian international center back Kamal Miller<\/a> exited last week’s visit to Inter Miami<\/a> with an apparent hamstring issue, which may affect his availability this weekend.<\/p>\n 2nd in Western Conference San Jose began the season in historically strong form under legendary head coach Bruce Arena, becoming the first MLS team in the post-shootout era (2000) to win nine of their first 10 games.<\/p>\n However, amid injuries to German star Timo Werner<\/a> and homegrown midfielder Niko Tsakiris<\/a>, the Earthquakes have gone winless in their last five matches across all competitions.<\/p>\n Can the young attacking trio of Beau Leroux<\/a>,\u00a0Ousseni Bouda<\/a> and leading goal contributor Preston Judd<\/a>\u00a0help San Jose break their slump and return to the top of the Supporters’ Shield standings?<\/p>\n Preston Judd: Already notching a career-high goal total (nine) this season, Judd is only four goals off the Golden Boot presented by Audi lead. San Jose’s depth continues to be tested with Werner and Tsakiris sidelined.<\/p>\n The market suggests a virtual toss-up in this matchup, with both Portland and San Jose netting about 40% of the pool.<\/p>\n
\nDavid Da Costa: The Portuguese midfielder arrived last year from RC Lens in Ligue 1, helping replace Evander<\/a>.
\nFinn Surman: The 22-year-old defender is headed to his first World Cup with New Zealand this summer.
\nKevin Kelsy: Portland’s leading goal contributor has hit form with 3g\/2a in his last three matches.
\nDiego Chara:\u00a0The club legend is approaching 500 appearances for Portland.<\/p>\n
\n29 points, 9W-3L-2D<\/p>\n
\nBeau Leroux: The box-to-box midfielder has built on his breakout 2025 campaign with 2g\/4a this season.
\nOusseni Bouda: The Burkina Faso international forward has recorded a career-high 5g\/3a.
\nDaniel Munie: The center back has built a strong case to feature at the 2026 MLS All-Star Game presented by Chime this summer.
\nReid Roberts: Fresh off his first MLS goal last weekend, Roberts<\/a> partners with Munie<\/a> in San Jose’s revitalized defense.<\/p>\n