FRISCO, Texas (Sept. 27, 2025) — FC Dallas travels to the Pacific Northwest this weekend for a pivotal Western Conference showdown against the Portland Timbers at Providence Park. Kickoff is set for 9:30 p.m. CT on Saturday, Sept. 27, with the match streaming live on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV.

The late-season contest comes at a critical juncture for both clubs, as Dallas continues its push toward playoff positioning while Portland looks to steady its form at home.

Historical Struggles in Portland

Dallas enters Saturday’s matchup with a daunting history at Providence Park. The club holds a 1-8-5 all-time road record against the Timbers and has been outscored 19-11 in those games. The lone victory came on April 13, 2016, when Dallas secured a 3-1 triumph. Since then, trips to the Rose City have been filled with frustration, with Dallas often leaving empty-handed despite competitive performances.

Overall, Dallas maintains a slight edge in the series with a 12-9-10 record and a 52-36 goal differential, thanks largely to strong showings at Toyota Stadium.

Recent Meetings and Momentum

The last encounter between these two sides came on Aug. 9, when Dallas blanked Portland 2-0 in Frisco. Striker Petar Musa scored in just the eighth minute, and defender Lalas Abubakar added his first goal for the club in the 62nd to seal the victory.

That result extended Dallas’ unbeaten streak against Portland to three straight matches (2-0-1). Head coach Eric Quill has emphasized the importance of consistency during this late-season stretch, and Dallas has responded by climbing into playoff contention with its best run of the campaign.

Key Players to Watch

Petar Musa (FC Dallas) – Musa remains the centerpiece of Dallas’ attack, leading the team with 16 goals this season. He also has two career goals against Portland and has found his stride in recent weeks, scoring in five of his last seven matches. His finishing ability will be vital if Dallas hopes to snap its long drought at Providence Park.

Sebastian Lletget (FC Dallas) – The veteran midfielder has quietly become one of the most reliable contributors against Portland, with two career goals against the Timbers. His leadership in the middle of the pitch will be key to balancing Dallas’ attack and keeping possession in a hostile environment.

Diego Chara (Portland Timbers) – The heartbeat of the Timbers since their MLS debut, Chara remains a vital presence. While best known for his defensive bite, he has also chipped in a goal against Dallas in his career. At 38, his ability to disrupt transitions could tilt the midfield battle in Portland’s favor.

Antony and Cristhian Paredes (Portland Timbers) – Both players have registered goals against Dallas and bring attacking balance alongside veteran striker Felipe Mora. Their ability to exploit Dallas’ backline late in matches—especially in front of a home crowd—remains a threat.

Series Splits and Style Notes

Scoring breakdowns suggest a cautious start could be in order. Dallas has 26 goals in both halves across the series, while Portland has leaned more heavily on late rallies, scoring 12 in the first half and 24 in the second. Historically, Dallas has been vulnerable at Providence Park in the final 30 minutes, an area that Quill’s side will need to tighten if they hope to change the narrative.

The highest-scoring Dallas win in the series remains a 5-0 thrashing on July 21, 2012, while Portland has often relied on grinding out close results at home.

What’s at Stake

For Dallas, every point matters in the playoff chase. The club sits on the edge of postseason qualification, and picking up results on the road could make the difference in what has been a tightly packed Western Conference table. A win in Portland would not only mark just their second-ever at Providence Park but also serve as a statement that this team is ready to compete in knockout-style matches.

For Portland, protecting home turf is critical. The Timbers have been inconsistent this season, but a victory would solidify their spot in the standings and prevent Dallas from leapfrogging them late in the year.

The Bottom Line

FC Dallas arrives in Portland carrying momentum from an unbeaten run and with Musa in top form. Yet, the ghosts of Providence Park loom large. For Dallas to walk away with three points, they will need a disciplined defensive showing, efficient finishing, and composure in the hostile Rose City atmosphere.

Kickoff is set for 9:30 p.m. CT on Saturday, Sept. 27, streaming live on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV.