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Dynamo-Timbers Preview

The Portland Timbers struggled to string together wins earlier in the season, but have won three straight for the first time in history.

Fresh off an impressive yet controversial victory in cup play against their rival, they'll try to extend their winning streak Saturday night against the visiting Houston Dynamo.

Portland is looking for a fourth straight victory in league play after knocking off D.C., Colorado and New England. Though the Timbers (6-5-4) haven't competed in MLS action since a 2-0 victory over the Revolution on June 6, they defeated Seattle 3-1 in the fourth round of the U.S. Open Cup in extra time on Tuesday night in a match that saw three Sounders players sent off and another leave injured. Portland maintained its composure and finished with 11 players.

"I thought we looked very mature," coach Caleb Porter said. "That's what you want to see in your team. You want to see a team that's up for the fight, but keeps their cool."

Portland has been playing especially well at home, going 3-1-3 with three straight clean sheets. The Timbers haven't shut out four straight visiting opponents in a single seasons since doing so in their last five at home in 2013. They're 7-2-5 at home since July 18.

Porter's club opened its season with three straight draws and failed to win consecutive matches until this current run, dropping two straight immediately before it.

"Now we're in a groove, we're finding our feet, our rhythm," Porter said. "Obviously when you win you gain a little bit more confidence."

Houston also hasn't played an MLS match since Will Bruin scored twice in a 4-2 win over New York on June 5, thought it defeated the Austin Aztex 2-0 in U.S. Open Cup play on Wednesday.

The Dynamo (5-5-5), two points out of a playoff spot, could be facing an uphill battle this weekend without a number of key players. Giles Barnes, who is second on the team with six goals, and Jermaine Taylor are representing Jamaica in the Copa America. Coach Owen Coyle said Boniek Garcia and Brad Davis won't travel due to injuries. Garcia has two goals and three assists while Davis has a team-high four assists.

Players like Leonel Miranda, who has only seen active in five MLS matches but scored Wednesday against Austin, will be called upon to step up.

"I know we certainly feel we've got some young talented players on our roster in need of game time," Coyle told the league's official website. "All in all, for me, it was all positives. There were a number of those players that needed game time, because three or four of those will be required to start at Portland."

Houston improved to 3-1-2 in the all-time series with a 3-1 home victory on May 16. Bruin scored twice.

The Timbers won the last meeting in Portland, 2-0, on April 6, 2013.

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