Here we are again: For the second consecutive season, the Portland Timbers find themselves staring down the dreaded Western Conference Wild Card matchup, hosting Real Salt Lake at what is shaping up to be a very low-energy Providence Park (kickoff set for 7:30 pm PT, streaming on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV).
The goal is simple: win the damn game. Win or lose, we've already established that even falling into this game is a failure this season. But a loss would open the "are changes afoot" door if it isn't open already.
The last three months haven't inspired any confidence, and following the Timbers' 4-0 thrashing at the hands of San Diego FC on Saturday night, I don't blame supporters for feeling less than optimistic about their chance to advance.
But this sport, specifically this league, has a weird way of embracing the unexpected this time of year.
