Toronto FC v Portland Timbers: Fraser urges self-belief despite poor run

Toronto FC head coach Robin Fraser encouraged his team to “believe in themselves” after a difficult run of results.

Fraser’s side are currently 14th in the Eastern Conference, winning just once in their last six MLS games.

Their only win in that time came against CF Montreal, the only team below them in the conference.

Toronto managed to secure a 1-1 draw against the New York Red Bulls last time out, with Fraser convinced that his side can rise up the table if they have the right mentality.

“I thought we were terrible in the first half,” Fraser said after the game. “We looked tentative, passive, unsure of ourselves.

“The end of the first half was slightly better. We changed the shape. We looked a little more clear in what we needed to do. And then I thought the second-half response was very good. I thought we came out and pushed the issue from the very beginning.

“What I do believe in is the character of this group. And they need to believe in it themselves. Truly you can put yourself in games, you can win games through mentality. You can will yourself to do it. And I believe that this is a group that's capable of it.

“But for us to compete, we have to play like we played in the second half. We have to play with that kind of energy and that kind of fire.”

Next up on the calendar for Toronto is a matchup against the Portland Timbers.

The Timbers are fourth in the Western Conference, six points behind leaders San Diego FC having played one fewer game.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Toronto FC – Federico Bernadeschi

Federico Bernadeschi has led the way for Toronto again this campaign with four goals and three assists in 15 games.

The Italian forward has been nursing an injury, but Toronto will be hoping to have him back fit and firing.

Portland Timbers – Anthony

Anthony has been the Timbers’ main attacking threat this season, scoring six goals and registering five assists in 18 MLS matches.

The Brazilian has found the net in each of Portland’s last two wins, so a goal from him is usually a good omen for the Timbers.

MATCH PREDICTION – PORTLAND TIMBERS WIN

Toronto are playing their fifth consecutive home game but have earned just one point over the first four games of the run (D1 L3). Their 10 points (W2 D4 L6) at home this season are its fewest through 12 home matches since 2021 (eight points).

In their last six league matches, Toronto have won one, drawn one and lost four. Portland, meanwhile, have won two, drawn three and lost one in their last six.

However, over the last four seasons, the Timbers have won just one of their 13 road matches against Eastern Conference opponents (D3 L9).

Portland have lost three straight away to the Eastern Conference, failing to score a goal in any of those three losses.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Toronto FC – 24.2%

Draw – 22.8%

Portland Timbers – 53.0%