Portland Timbers II vs Tacoma Defiance Prediction and Betting Tips

Portland Timbers II welcome Tacoma Defiance to Providence Park on 31 May 2026 in a compelling MLS Next Pro Group Stage clash between two familiar Pacific rivals. With both sides already deep into their 2026 campaigns, this fixture has the feel of an early-season six-pointer in the Pacific Division picture.

Portland Timbers II come into the match sitting 2nd in the Pacific Division on 20 points from 11 games, with a 6-0-5 record and a goal difference of -1 (14 scored, 15 conceded). That tally also has them 5th in the wider Eastern Conference, firmly inside the “Promotion - MLS Next Pro (Play Offs: 1/8-finals)” zone. For Tacoma Defiance, the situation is more precarious: they are 6th in the Pacific Division and 11th in the Eastern Conference, with 14 points from 12 matches and a -5 goal difference (13 for, 18 against). The visitors need points simply to stay in touch with the playoff race.

Stats suggest a tight, low-scoring encounter between two teams who rarely share the points. Both sides have yet to draw a league game this season, and prediction metrics lean towards a “Portland Timbers II or draw” outcome. With recent history between these clubs packed with narrative, this latest Portland Timbers II vs Tacoma Defiance meeting should offer another intense chapter at Providence Park.

Portland Timbers II vs Tacoma Defiance Key Stats

• Portland Timbers II have taken 20 points from 11 league games (6 wins, 5 losses), scoring 14 and conceding 15.
• In their last three MLS Next Pro meetings at Providence Park (19 May 2025, 25 August 2025, and 11 May 2024), Portland Timbers II beat Tacoma Defiance 2-1, 2-1, and 4-1 respectively.
• Portland Timbers II average 1.4 goals scored and 1.6 conceded per match this season, while Tacoma Defiance average 1.3 scored and 1.6 conceded.

Portland Timbers II vs Tacoma Defiance — Tale of the Tape

• Position: 2 vs 6 (Pacific Division)
• Points: 20 vs 14
• Goals For: 14 vs 13
• Goals Against: 15 vs 18
• Clean Sheets: Portland Timbers II 4; Tacoma Defiance 3

The standings underline why Portland Timbers II enter this match as slight favourites. They have collected 20 points from 11 games, with six wins and no draws, and sit 2nd in the Pacific Division. Their goal difference is only -1, but that is still better than Tacoma’s -5, and their position in 5th in the Eastern Conference places them comfortably within the playoff bracket.

Tacoma Defiance, by contrast, are chasing. With 14 points from 12 fixtures and five wins against seven defeats, they occupy 6th in the Pacific Division and 11th in the Eastern Conference, outside the playoff places. Their defensive record is slightly worse than Portland’s — 18 goals conceded to Portland’s 15 — and they have played one game more. Both sides, however, share a similar scoring profile, each having netted 15 total goals in their broader seasonal statistics, which hints at a relatively balanced attacking contest.

Portland Timbers II vs Tacoma Defiance Key Matchups

Colin Griffith vs Tacoma Defiance Back Line

With limited individual attacking data available, Colin Griffith stands out as a central figure for Portland Timbers II. The 21-year-old forward appears across the top scorers, top assists, and top cards lists for MLS Next Pro this season, underlining both his prominence and all-round involvement. He has made 1 league appearance so far, operating as a forward, and while he is yet to register a goal or an assist, his repeated presence in key statistical categories suggests the coaching staff see him as a focal point in the attacking structure.

For Tacoma Defiance, the collective defensive unit will be tasked with containing Griffith and Portland’s front line. Tacoma’s season numbers show 19 goals conceded in 12 matches, with an away average of 2.2 goals against per game. That vulnerability, particularly on the road, could give Griffith opportunities to influence the game even if he is still looking for his first goal contribution of the campaign.

Head-to-Head: Last Meetings

This is one of MLS Next Pro’s most established rivalries, with a long run of meetings in the competition. Recent history is finely balanced, with Portland Timbers II and Tacoma Defiance trading spells of dominance. Across the 10 most recent MLS Next Pro clashes listed below, Portland have four wins, Tacoma have five, and there has been one draw.

• 25 August 2025: Portland Timbers II 2-1 Tacoma Defiance (MLS Next Pro)
• 28 July 2025: Tacoma Defiance 1-2 Portland Timbers II (MLS Next Pro)
• 19 May 2025: Portland Timbers II 2-1 Tacoma Defiance (MLS Next Pro)
• 9 September 2024: Tacoma Defiance 5-2 Portland Timbers II (MLS Next Pro)
• 1 July 2024: Tacoma Defiance 1-0 Portland Timbers II (MLS Next Pro)
• 11 May 2024: Portland Timbers II 4-1 Tacoma Defiance (MLS Next Pro)
• 5 September 2023: Tacoma Defiance 4-0 Portland Timbers II (MLS Next Pro)
• 6 August 2023: Portland Timbers II 1-1 Tacoma Defiance (MLS Next Pro)
• 18 September 2022: Tacoma Defiance 0-2 Portland Timbers II (MLS Next Pro)
• 11 July 2022: Portland Timbers II 1-6 Tacoma Defiance (MLS Next Pro)

Portland Timbers II vs Tacoma Defiance Prediction

Evidence from this campaign and the recent head-to-head record points towards a tight contest at Providence Park. Portland Timbers II have been inconsistent but effective enough to sit in a playoff position, while Tacoma Defiance have combined some heavy defeats with impressive attacking bursts, particularly at home. On the road, however, Tacoma’s defensive numbers (11 goals conceded in 5 away games) are a concern.

Prediction metrics give Portland Timbers II a 45% chance of victory and Tacoma Defiance just 10%, with the draw also at 45%. The advice leans clearly towards “double chance: Portland Timbers II or draw”, and the goals projection suggests a game under 2.5 total goals. Portland’s recent home dominance in this fixture — winning 2-1, 2-1 and 4-1 in their last three Providence Park meetings — strengthens the case for the hosts to edge it again, though Tacoma’s improved recent form (WWLWW in league standings form) means it may be closer than previous scorelines.

Predicted Score: Portland Timbers II 1-0 Tacoma Defiance

Portland Timbers II League Form

LWWLW

Tacoma Defiance League Form

WWLWW

Portland Timbers II Possible Starting Lineup

H. Sulte (GK); B. Alex, C. Ferguson, Charles Ondo, C. Tommy (Defenders); C. Cruthers, V. Enriquez, Lucas Fernandez-Kim, M. Kissel (Midfielders); Colin Griffith, Andrew Guerra (Forwards).

Portland Timbers II have a deep squad with multiple options in every line. In goal, H. Sulte is one of three keepers available, while the back line can be built around defenders such as B. Alex, C. Ferguson, Charles Ondo and C. Tommy. The midfield pool is similarly stocked, with C. Cruthers, V. Enriquez, Lucas Fernandez-Kim and M. Kissel among those capable of controlling possession and pressing. Up front, attackers like Colin Griffith and Andrew Guerra offer mobility and pressing from the front, fitting a high-intensity approach that has delivered six wins and four clean sheets across the season.

Tacoma Defiance Possible Starting Lineup

M. Anchor (GK); Kevin Bonilla, Andrew Brown, S. Hawkins, Mark O'Neill (Defenders); P. Kingston, X. Gnaulati, Daniel Robles, N. Petković (Midfielders); Y. Tsukanome, R. Jauregui (Forwards).

Tacoma Defiance also have significant depth, particularly in defence, where options such as Kevin Bonilla, Andrew Brown, S. Hawkins and Mark O'Neill can be deployed in various configurations. In midfield, creative and box-to-box profiles like P. Kingston, X. Gnaulati, Daniel Robles and N. Petković give Tacoma the tools to compete in central areas. Up front, attackers including Y. Tsukanome and R. Jauregui provide goal threat, although Tacoma’s away record — with 5 goals scored and 11 conceded — suggests they may lean towards a more cautious, counter-attacking setup at Providence Park.

Portland Timbers II Team News

No significant absences reported.

Tacoma Defiance Team News

No significant absences reported.

Injuries & Suspensions

Portland Timbers II:

• None reported.

Tacoma Defiance:

• None reported.

Betting Tips: Portland Timbers II vs Tacoma Defiance

Exactly 3 distinct tips from different markets:

• Result Tip: Back “Portland Timbers II or Draw” in the double-chance market. Prediction metrics give Portland a 45% win probability and Tacoma just 10%, with the draw also at 45%. Combined with Portland’s strong home H2H record, the double-chance angle is a logical, lower-risk approach. (No pre-match odds available in the current data.)
• Goals Tip: Consider “Under 2.5 Goals”. Both teams average around 1.3–1.4 goals for and 1.6 against per match, and the goals projection for this fixture is under 2.5 for both sides. Several recent meetings have been tight, including 2-1 scorelines in two of the last three clashes at Providence Park, supporting a relatively low total-goals stance. (No specific odds provided.)
• Value Tip: Look at “Portland Timbers II to Win to Nil” as a higher-risk, higher-reward angle. Portland have kept 4 clean sheets this season, and Tacoma’s away defence has been leaky, conceding 11 goals in 5 away games. If Portland control territory as expected, a narrow home win without reply is a plausible value play. (No explicit prices available.)

How to Watch Portland Timbers II vs Tacoma Defiance

Broadcast coverage varies by region. General guide:

• Spain: Movistar LaLiga
• UK: Premier Sports
• Australia: beIN Sports
• India: FanCode
• MENA: beIN Sports
• South America: ESPN / Disney+
• Africa: SuperSport

Odds are accurate at the time of writing and subject to change. Please gamble responsibly.