Since losing 2-0 to Atlanta United FC in the 2018 MLS Cup Final, Portland FC will be making their first appearance at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. After Atlanta was unbeaten in the previous four meetings (W2 D2), the Timbers did win their most recent encounter with Atlanta, a 2-1 victory at home in September.
After a 3-0 victory over Charlotte FC on Saturday, Atlanta United FC is off to the best three-match start in the club’s MLS history, with seven points (W2 D1). Atlanta beat Portland and Orlando in five days in September of last year, its only time winning consecutively.
This is the eighth time in the team’s 13 MLS campaigns that it has had three or fewer points at this point in the season. Portland has three points from its first three matches this season. The Lumbers have proceeded to make the end of the season games five of the past multiple times, arriving at MLS Cup in three of (2015, 2018, 2021).
On Saturday against Charlotte FC, Caleb Wiley made one chance and made both of his shots, which resulted in a goal and an assist. Wiley became the fifth youngest player in MLS history to score at least three goals in a match at the age of 18 years, 79 days.
Before Portland’s expansion team came back to win the match against St. Louis City SC, Zac McGraw scored the opening goal. It was Portland’s longest active streak in MLS and the club’s record-breaking 23rd consecutive MLS match with a goal since last season.
