The Timbers and Minnesota played to a 4-4 draw in St. Paul on July 30 in a match that was the first in league history to see both teams score t least four goals and receive at least four yellow cards. Sebastian Blanco scored the opening goal after 13 seconds, the fourth-fastest goal in MLS history.
The Timbers have won three consecutive games for the first time since last season’s run to the MLS Cup Final. Including the 2-1 win over Atlanta on Sunday, Portland has won nine of of the last 10 matches its played in September (D1).
Minnesota United has suffered consecutive 3-0 defeats after losing just once in its previous 11 league matches (W8 D2). This is the first time the Loons have lost consecutive games by at least three goals since its first two MLS matches in March 2017 (1-5 at Portland, 1-6 at Atlanta).
Sebastian Blanco has scored twice in each of his last two games against Minnesota United, the only Timbers player to do so against a single foe and the only player to do so against Minnesota United. The last player to score multiple goals in three straight matches against a single opponent was David Villa for NYCFC vs. Toronto in 2015-16.
Emanuel Reynoso has been fouled in the final third of the field 22 times this season, with Atlanta United’s Marcelino Moreno the only player with more fouls earned in that area of the field (27). Additionally, Reynoso has won three penalty kicks the season, tied with three other players for most in MLS.
