The Timbers welcome New York City FC to Portland for what could be the most atmospheric MLS Cup in history. Who will win? We make our predictions.
Two hundred and thirty-eight days ago,27 teams had visions of lifting MLS Cup. That dream has long been extinguished for all but the Portland Timbers and New York City FC, who contest the league’s showpiece event on Saturday (3 p.m. ET, stream live on ABC). For the first time, the Rose City hosts the final, the atmospheric Providence Park the backdrop for the Timbers‘ third MLS Cup appearance in seven years. It’s a dream locale for the league, and a matchup that will see either dancing in the streets in one of its most fervent markets, or a long-awaited payoff for a glamour club in NYCFC who have shifted strategy from star power to growth potential. With the final stage set, ESPN’s Jeff Carlisle, Kyle Bonagura, Caitlin Murray, Dan Hajducky and Austin Lindberg preview MLS Cup, predicting who will be lifting silverware come Saturday and who will be despondent in defeat. – Predict results in ESPN’s Soccer Playoff Pick ‚Em! – ESPN+ viewers guide: LaLiga, Bundesliga, MLS, FA Cup, more – Stream ESPN FC Daily on ESPN+ (U.S. only) – Don’t have ESPN? Get instant access Even before an $85 million renovation project expanded Providence Park’s capacity to 25,218 prior to the 2019 season, the Timbers had one of the best home atmospheres in Major League Soccer. The historic site had served many purposes since its original construction was completed in 1893, but over time it evolved into somewhat of a spiritual home for soccer in the United States. Even with the modernization that came with expansion, the stadium — tucked into the Goose Hollow neighborhood — kept its historic charm. Despite the presence of turf, it’s a venue fitting for the biggest stage the league has to offer. Despite the gloomy weather expected on Saturday as Portland hosts MLS Cup for the first time, the atmosphere should be a point of a pride for the league. What a difference one result or four points can make. Had the Timbers lost to Real Salt Lake in the Western Conference final or finished with fewer points than NYCFC, MLS Cup would have been played at Yankee Stadium, and while playing in the largest media market in the country would have had its benefits, even a sold-out Yankee Stadium would have been an awkward look on TV.
