Timbers Surge Into Playoffs With 3-1 Win Over Dynamo

Vincent Janssen recorded a goal and two assists in the Portland Timbers' 3-1 victory over the Houston Dynamo on Sunday night. The result moved Portland from 11th to eighth place in the Western Conference. The Timbers improved their record to 12-14-7.

One regular-season match remains for both clubs. Portland hosts Austin FC next weekend. A win secures a playoff berth. A loss or draw requires help from other results to advance.

Houston finished the match with a 14-10-9 record. The Dynamo retain a chance to finish in the top four. That position would grant home-field advantage in the best-of-three first-round series.

David Da Costa opened the scoring in the 25th minute. He finished a pass from Janssen. The goal marked Da Costa's seventh of the career, a personal high. It came in his second full season. Janssen recorded his first assist in 13 MLS matches.

Kristoffer Velde extended the lead to 2-0 in the 65th minute. His 11th goal of the season arrived with assists from Janssen and Ariel Lassiter. Lassiter's seventh assist matched his career high.

Agustin Bouzat cut the deficit to 2-1 six minutes later. It was his second goal in his first season in the league. Duncan McGuire provided his first assist in 19 appearances for Houston. Defender Diadieu Samassekou added his second assist of the season.

Janssen restored the two-goal margin in the 78th minute. He scored on a corner kick assist from Da Costa. The goal was Janssen's fourth of the season. Da Costa's 10th assist was a career high.

James Pantemis made no saves for Portland. Jonathan Bond stopped three shots for Houston. The Dynamo's five-match unbeaten run ended. Portland has won three consecutive games against Charlotte FC, St. Louis City, and Houston. Houston previously beat the Timbers 3-2 in mid-March.

Portland's home record stands at 9-4-4. Houston's road record drops to 6-7-4. The Dynamo host St. Louis City on Saturday. Portland travels to Austin FC on Saturday to finish the regular season.