Match Summary
Portland Timbers defeated Real Salt Lake 2:1. The match was played in Major League Soccer 2023. Goals were scored by S. Moreno 13′, F. Mora 64′, C. Arango 83′. 5 yellow cards were shown. Portland Timbers had 47% possession while Real Salt Lake held 53%. Portland Timbers had 7 shots (2 on target) compared to 14 (5 on target) for Real Salt Lake. Expected goals: Portland Timbers 0.76 — Real Salt Lake 0.76. Portland Timbers made 5 substitutions, Real Salt Lake made 4. VAR was involved: Card upgrade (Diego Chará 33′).
Match Events
Key match events between Portland Timbers and Real Salt Lake — 3 goals and 5 cards recorded during the match.
assist: J. Mosquera
assist: S. Moreno
assist: B. Vera
Match Statistics
Portland Timbers had 47% possession against Real Salt Lake's 53%. Portland Timbers registered 7 shots (2 on target) while Real Salt Lake managed 14 (5 on target). Corner kicks: 3–7. Fouls committed: 13–14.
Lineups
Portland Timbers lined up in a 4-3-3 formation under J. Miles, while Real Salt Lake deployed a 4-4-2 under P. Mastroeni.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Portland Timbers is 6.69, compared to 6.93 for Real Salt Lake. This metric is derived from each player's average match rating across all league appearances this season — anything above 7.00 is considered strong, while below 6.50 signals inconsistency. Portland Timbers's highest-rated starter is D. Župarić (6.92), while Real Salt Lake's best-rated player is J. Glad (7.07).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Portland Timbers have contributed 2 goals and 0 assists this season, led by C. Paredes (2G). Real Salt Lake's starters account for 4 goals and 1 assists, spearheaded by B. Ojeda (2G). Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.
Defensive Solidity
Portland Timbers deploy 4 defenders rated 6.66 on average, against Real Salt Lake's 4-man backline averaging 6.92. Higher defensive ratings suggest better positional awareness, fewer individual errors, and a greater likelihood of keeping clean sheets. The rating accounts for tackles won, interceptions, aerial duels, and blocks throughout the season.
Midfield Control
Portland Timbers field 3 midfielders averaging 6.74, versus Real Salt Lake's 4 rated 6.96. Midfield ratings reflect passing accuracy, interceptions, key passes, and overall control of possession — the team that dominates midfield typically dictates the tempo and territory of the match.
Forward Threat
Portland Timbers start 3 forward(s) averaging —, compared to 2 for Real Salt Lake averaging —. Forward ratings capture shot accuracy, movement off the ball, dribbling success, and involvement in build-up play — they indicate who carries the greater goal threat on the day.
Passing & Build-Up
Passing accuracy averages —% for Portland Timbers and 52% for Real Salt Lake. Higher passing accuracy generally indicates a possession-based style with patient build-up through the thirds, while lower figures may suggest a more direct, counter-attacking approach with long balls and quick transitions.
Discipline
Portland Timbers's starters have collected 15 yellow cards this season, compared to 27 for Real Salt Lake. Yellow cards reflect how aggressively a team presses and tackles — a high count may indicate a physical, high-pressing style but also risks suspensions and late free-kicks in dangerous areas.
Age & Experience
The average age of Portland Timbers's starting XI is 29.3 (youngest: C. Paredes (27), oldest: D. Župarić (33)), while Real Salt Lake average 26.2 (youngest: B. Hidalgo (23), oldest: A. Julio (29)). Younger squads typically offer pace, energy, and pressing intensity, while experienced lineups bring composure, game management, and the ability to handle high-pressure moments.
Squad Depth
Portland Timbers's starters average 19 league appearances each, versus 27 for Real Salt Lake. High appearance counts indicate an established, well-drilled unit that the manager trusts week in and week out. Lower figures may suggest rotation, injuries, or emerging players still earning their place in the team.
Substitutes
Substitutes
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, Portland Timbers have recorded 1 wins, 1 draws and 4 defeats. Real Salt Lake show 2 wins, 1 draws and 3 losses from their last 6 outings.
Portland Timbers
Real Salt Lake
Head to Head
Portland Timbers and Real Salt Lake have met 3 times — Portland Timbers won 1, Real Salt Lake won 1, with 1 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2025. A combined 5 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 1.67 per match (3 for the home side, 2 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 1 matches (33%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 1 games (33%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. The highest-scoring encounter finished 3–1 in 2025.
1
Portland Timbers
1
Drawn
1
Real Salt Lake
Recent Meetings (3)
API data: 15 Mar 2026