Portland Timbers vs. New York Red Bulls Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 14 September 2025

Get ready for an exciting clash on 14 September 2025, as Portland Timbers host New York Red Bulls at Providence Park in a crucial Major League Soccer showdown. Both teams are neck-and-neck in the standings, with Portland sitting 17th and New York Red Bulls in 16th place, making this fixture all the more significant as we head into Round 30 of the 34-round competition.

Portland’s attack will lean heavily on Kevin Kelsy, who has netted seven goals this season. The Timbers have struggled recently, averaging 1.4 goals in their last five outings but only managing one clean sheet. On the flip side, New York Red Bulls’ Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, with a remarkable 15 goals, is the one to watch. The Red Bulls have found the net in most of their games, with an average of one goal in the last five fixtures.

Given the proximity in standings and both teams’ tendency to score, we’re tipping both teams to find the back of the net.

Portland is a slight favourite here, but expect New York to put up a strong fight. With crucial points on the line, this encounter is certain to be thrilling. Recommended bet: Both Teams to Score (Yes).

Portland Timbers vs New York Red Bulls Prediction & Betting Tip

Portland Timbers vs New York Red Bulls Prediction
Betting tip	Odds
Both Teams to Score (Yes)	1.75

Reasons for this Prediction:

• Scoring and Conceding Trends: Portland Timbers have seen both teams score in 57% of their matches, while New York Red Bulls have a similar statistic at 52%. This indicates a strong tendency for both teams to find the net in their games.
• Recent Form: Both teams have been involved in matches where goals are scored on both ends. Portland has scored 4 and conceded 6 in their last 5 matches, while New York has scored 3 and conceded 3.
• Key Players: With key players like Kevin Kelsy and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, who have been consistent in scoring, both teams have the attacking prowess to score.

Given these factors, betting on both teams to score is supported by their season-long trends and recent performances.

Portland Timbers vs New York Red Bulls Odds

The odds for this matchup highlight the competitiveness between the two teams.

Both teams are in a tight race with Portland Timbers slightly favoured by the bookmakers. Here’s how the odds stack up for this exciting contest:

Portland Timbers vs New York Red Bulls Betting Odds
Bet	Odds
Portland Timbers	2.07
Draw	3.56
New York Red Bulls	3.20

These odds reflect the closely matched nature of both squads, with Portland Timbers emerging as slight favourites thanks to the home advantage at Providence Park.

However, don’t count out New York Red Bulls, whose solid defense and reliable striker Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting make them a formidable opponent. The close standings add to the unpredictability and excitement of this clash.

Portland Timbers Team Analysis

Portland Timbers Recent Performance:

Portland Timbers have had a challenging run of late, with their recent form showing three losses and two draws in their last five matches. Their last five results include:

• Minnesota United 1 – 1 Portland Timbers
• San Diego FC 0 – 0 Portland Timbers
• Portland Timbers 2 – 3 FC Cincinnati
• FC Dallas 2 – 0 Portland Timbers
• CF America 1 – 1 Portland Timbers (Penalty shoot-out: 5 – 3)

During these matches, Portland Timbers have averaged 1.4 goals scored but have managed only one clean sheet. Defensively, they’ve been conceding an average of 1.4 goals per game this season, revealing their struggles at the back.

Kevin Kelsy’s seven goals have kept their attack somewhat competitive, but the team will need to tighten up defensively to improve their standings. With a tough match against New York Red Bulls, Phil Neville will be keen to turn their fortune around.

Portland Timbers Key Players

Portland Timbers will look to their star striker, Kevin Kelsy, who has bagged seven goals this season, to lead the line against New York Red Bulls. Kelsy’s form will be crucial, especially given Portland’s recent struggles in front of goal. Midfield maestro Matías Rojas, who forms part of the expected lineup, will also play an essential role in linking up play.

Expected lineup for Portland Timbers:

• Goalkeeper: James Pantemis
• Defenders: Juan Mosquera, Finn Surman, Dario Zuparic, Jimer Fory
• Midfielders: Felipe Carballo, David Ayala, Antony, Matías Rojas
• Forwards: Kevin Kelsy, Kristoffer Velde

Key battles to watch include Kelsy against New York’s stalwart defender Sean Nealis, and Rojas trying to outplay Red Bulls’ midfield engine Peter Stroud. Portland’s defensive pairing of Surman and Zuparic will have their hands full with Red Bulls’ in-form striker Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting.

Portland Timbers Suspensions & Injuries

Portland Timbers head into this clash with a somewhat clean bill of health, which could be vital as they look to turn their form around. The only injury concern for Phil Neville’s men is Jonathan Rodriguez, who is nursing a muscle injury with an expected return in mid-September 2025.

Rodriguez’s absence in midfield could impact the team’s creativity and defensive stability. However, with no suspensions clouding the squad, Neville will have most of his key players available for selection against New York Red Bulls.

Having the majority of the squad fit and ready might provide the added depth needed to secure a crucial win at Providence Park. Keeping their fingers crossed for a swift recovery for Rodriguez, the Timbers will need to rely on their available roster to step up in his absence.

Portland Timbers Tactics and Formation

Portland Timbers Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Kevin Kelsy
• Midfield Trio: Felipe Carballo, David Ayala, Antony
• Defensive Setup: Juan Mosquera, Finn Surman, Dario Zuparic, Jimer Fory
• Notable Strategy: Portland often looks to create opportunities through quick transitions and wing play, utilizing their pace on the flanks.

Phil Neville is likely to stick with a 4-3-3 formation in this crucial match against New York Red Bulls. The attacking trio led by top scorer Kevin Kelsy will be pivotal in breaking down the opposition’s defense. In midfield, Carballo, Ayala, and Antony are expected to control the tempo and provide creativity.

Defensively, the Timbers have struggled, having conceded 1.4 goals on average this season. They will need a solid performance from their backline to secure a crucial clean sheet. Watch for their strategy of attacking aggressively in the latter stages of the game, particularly between the 76th and 90th minutes.

New York Red Bulls Team Analysis

New York Red Bulls Recent Performance:

New York Red Bulls have had a mixed bag of results in their last five matches, illustrating a relatively inconsistent run. Their last five results include:

• New York Red Bulls 0 – 0 Columbus Crew
• Charlotte FC 1 – 0 New York Red Bulls
• New York Red Bulls 1 – 0 Philadelphia Union
• Philadelphia Union 3 – 2 New York Red Bulls (US Open Cup)
• New York Red Bulls 2 – 1 Real Salt Lake

In these matches, the Red Bulls have scored an average of 1.0 goals per game and managed to keep two clean sheets. Their defensive solidity is further highlighted by their ability to concede less, which could be crucial against a Portland Timbers side looking to break their run.

With Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting leading the line and netting 15 goals this season, the Red Bulls remain a constant threat up front, despite their fluctuating form.

New York Red Bulls Key Players

New York Red Bulls will heavily rely on their star striker, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, who has been in scintillating form with 15 goals this season. Choupo-Moting’s performance will be crucial, especially against a Portland defense that has struggled to keep clean sheets.

Expected lineup for New York Red Bulls:

• Goalkeeper: Carlos Coronel
• Defenders: Mohammed Sofo, Dylan Nealis, Sean Nealis, Noah Eile, Raheem Edwards
• Midfielders: Wikelman Carmona, Peter Stroud, Daniel Edelman, Emil Forsberg
• Forward: Eric Choupo-Moting

Key battles to watch include Choupo-Moting against Portland’s defensive duo of Finn Surman and Dario Zuparic. The midfield matchup between Emil Forsberg and Portland’s Antony also promises to be a thrilling contest. With two clean sheets in their last five games, the Red Bulls’ defense, led by Sean Nealis, will aim to keep Portland’s Kevin Kelsy at bay.

New York Red Bulls Suspensions & Injuries

New York Red Bulls are dealing with a few injury concerns as they head into their clash against Portland Timbers. Cameron Harper is sidelined with a knee injury, while Lewis Morgan is recovering from a thigh injury; both players are expected to return in mid-September 2025. Additionally, AJ Marcucci is out with a cruciate ligament injury and won’t be back until late April 2026.

These absences could affect the Red Bulls’ depth, particularly in the midfield and defensive areas where Harper and Morgan usually contribute. However, the team will rely on the remaining squad members to step up and fill the void in this critical matchup.

No suspensions have been reported, which should allow Red Bulls coach Sandro Schwarz to field a strong lineup against Portland.

New York Red Bulls Tactics and Formation

New York Red Bulls Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 5-4-1
• Key Forward: Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting
• Midfield Combo: Wikelman Carmona, Peter Stroud, Daniel Edelman, Emil Forsberg
• Defensive Setup: Mohammed Sofo, Dylan Nealis, Sean Nealis, Noah Eile, Raheem Edwards
• Notable Strategy: The Red Bulls are known for their compact defensive structure and quick counter-attacks.

Sandro Schwarz is likely to employ a 5-4-1 formation to maximize defensive solidity while allowing for rapid transitions. Choupo-Moting will be the focal point in attack, looking to capitalize on any chances created by the midfield quartet led by Forsberg and Stroud.

The team’s recent defensive solidity, evidenced by two clean sheets in their last five games, highlights their ability to contain opposition attacks. Watch for the Red Bulls to exploit counter-attacks, particularly in the time intervals of 76-90 minutes, where they’ve been most prolific this season.

Portland Timbers vs New York Red Bulls Head-to-Head Statistics

Portland Timbers and New York Red Bulls have faced off several times in recent years, with their last five encounters painting a mixed picture:

• New York Red Bulls 1 – 1 Portland Timbers (2022-05-07, Major League Soccer)
• Portland Timbers 0 – 2 New York Red Bulls (2019-09-19, Major League Soccer)
• New York Red Bulls 4 – 0 Portland Timbers (2018-03-11, Major League Soccer)
• Portland Timbers 2 – 0 New York Red Bulls (2017-08-19, Major League Soccer)
• New York Red Bulls 0 – 0 Portland Timbers (2016-07-10, Major League Soccer)

These results highlight the unpredictability of this fixture, with both teams securing notable wins. The Red Bulls have had the upper hand more recently, winning the last two out of three encounters.

Given both teams’ current form and the stakes of this particular match, fans can expect a tightly contested clash, contributing to the storied history between these two sides.

Odds accurate as of 12.09.2025 03:33, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.