Houston Dynamo vs Portland Timbers Prediction, 8/20/2023 MLS Soccer Pick, Tips and Odds

by Guy Bruhn - 8/15/2023

Game: Houston Dynamo vs Portland Timbers

Date: Sunday, August 20, 2023

Location: Shell Energy Stadium in Houston, TX

TV: Apple TV - MLS Season Pass

Odds/Point Spread: Houston (-102) Portland (+265)

Shell Energy Stadium is where the Timbers (6-8-9) will try to defeat the Houston Dynamo (8-5-10) on Sunday. The Timbers are priced at +265 while the Dynamo are at -102. The total is set at 2.5. The goalkeepers who are expected to start will be Steve Clark for Houston and Aljaz Ivacic for Portland.

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The Houston Dynamo have recorded 56 saves and hold a save rate of 70.1 on the year. This team's differential on goals is -5 by way of 26 goals compiled and 31 goals conceded. This year, this team has an average of 1.26 points per match (29 points) and also have a rank of 23rd in soccer with 17 assists. The Dynamo are ranked 20th when it comes to expected goals having 28.2, and their xGA are at 31.3. Houston has tallied 59 yellow cards the year and 5 red cards. Houston has conceded 31 goals while surrendering 1.35 G/90, and the opposition have compiled 87 shots on target against them. They have tallied 8 clean sheets, which puts them at a percentage of 34.8% the year.

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The Portland Timbers have totaled 26 goals and their xG so far this season is sitting at 23.5. Their goals against/90 minutes is 1.43 with 73 saves, and they have accounted for 7 shutouts. So far this season, Portland has a save percentage of 68.9 (103 shots on target against), and also sit at 24th in the league with 26 pts. Portland has a rank of 23rd in goals allowed having 33, and the team's goal difference is at -7. Portland has accounted a clean sheet percentage of 30.4% this year as well as 56 yellow card warnings. The Timbers come in with an average of 1.13 pts/match while amassing 21 assists.

The man who will defend the goal for Houston will be Steve Clark. Clark has defended the goal a total of 6,158 minutes and has 199 saves so far in his career. His goals allowed per 90 mins is 1.59 (109 total goals surrendered) and he is the owner of a save % of .652. The goalie from the United States has had 305 shots sent in his direction in 68 starts. Clark (22-16-30 record in his career) has accounted for 18 shutouts, which leaves him with a 26.5% clean sheet percentage.

Aljaz Ivacic will reside in front of the net for Portland. He has allowed 1.78 goals per 90 minutes and he has a mark of 20-20-24. Ivacic has recorded 9 shutouts while defending 338 shots attempted against him in 5,811 mins throughout his career. So far in his career, Ivacic has given up 115 goals while earning 229 saves in 64 starts. He holds a save % of .678 and his clean sheet rate is 14.1%.

Adalberto Carrasquilla is a man you are going to want to keep your eye on for Houston. Carrasquilla has started 69 outings during his career and scores 0.07 goals per 90 minutes. The midfielder from Panama has racked up 5 goals scored in 6,093 mins played. He has accounted for 6 assists while tallying 24 yellow cards so far in his career.

Portland has an attacker in Santiago Moreno, who can cause havoc on the pitch. He has totaled 9 yellow cards during his pro soccer career and has helped a teammate on a goal 18 times. The forward representing Colombia has been on the field for 6,448 mins while earning 13 goals. He sports an average of 0.18 goals per 90 mins and has started 75 outings during his pro soccer career.

Who will win tonight's MLS game against the spread?

Guy Bruhn's Pick: Take Houston (-102)

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Pick:	UNDER 44
Start:	September 14, 2024 @ 3:30 PM
Expert:	Doc's Sports

Analysis:

Free Play from Doc’s Sports. Take Under 44 in Nevada Wolf Pack @ Minnesota Golden Gophers (3:30p.m., Saturday, September 14 BTN) We hit a free pick under last week and we will try for two in a row in this game. Nevada offense is better than last year, but it still struggles to score points on a consistent basis. Minnesota will be able to stop the run and that will mean Nevada have to move the football through the air. I do not see them having much success in that department. Minnesota ran it up last week against an FCS team, but they scored just 17 points against North Carolina in Week 1, a team that is traditionally bad on defense. I see about 40 total points being scored in this game and we will hit the under with this free play. Do not miss out on our weekend football card, featuring a top play in the NFL and a slate of winners all weekend long. Sign-up now and let Doc’s Sports and their 53 years of handicapping experience work for you. Read More Read Less

Houston Dynamo vs Portland Timbers Prediction, 8/20/2023 MLS Soccer Pick, Tips and Odds

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