Portland Timbers vs New York Red Bulls Prediction & Picks - Major League Soccer

Prediction published on 9/13/25, 7:10 PM  by Erik Gibbs in Major League Soccer Picks

The Portland Timbers enter their Saturday match against the Red Bulls in a slump, having gone without a win for a couple of weeks now. They cannot manage to win any of their last four MLS matches, two draws and two losses in the period. They most recently had low-scoring ties (0–0 and 1–1) with San Diego and Minnesota. This showed that their defense was strong, but their offense was having trouble. Portland had stumbled heading into the match, dropping consecutive games to FC Dallas and FC Cincinnati.

Sitting mid-table in the Western Conference, the Timbers have struggled to find steady form as the season winds down. With the playoff race tightening, they're looking to capitalize on home-field advantage to snap the skid and strengthen their postseason push.

In contrast, the New York Red Bulls have shown mixed form but a slight uptick in results. They enjoyed consecutive victories in mid-August – including a notable 2–1 win over Real Salt Lake and a 1–0 triumph over Philadelphia – which boosted their standing in the Eastern Conference.

However, New York failed to capitalize on that streak fully; a 1–0 loss to Charlotte and a scoreless draw with Columbus in the last two matchdays have left them hovering around the playoff cutoff.

The Red Bulls' defense has been collectively sound, and that has helped see games end with low scoring. Scoring goals has, however, been a point of concern. They are 10th in the East and are currently outside the playoff positions. Going into this inter-conference game, New York should be eager to pick points away from home and stay alive in the playoff battle.