Portland Timbers defender Finn Surman believes "results will come" amid a poor start as long as they continue to be together as a team.

The Timbers are 14th in the Western Conference after earning just four points across their first six games of the 2026 MLS season (W1 D1 L4).

They were defeated 3-2 by the Vancouver Whitecaps last time out, while their next fixture on Saturday comes against Supporters Shield leaders Los Angeles FC.

Portland lost to Vancouver despite leading 2-1 entering second-half stoppage time, conceding in the 91st and 95th minutes.

It marked the first time in club history that the Timbers lost a match they were leading entering second-half stoppage time.

Surman admitted it has been a difficult start for Portland, but insisted they are on the right path as a team.

"The team is hurting a little bit right now, but I think that we are a group that is together," said Surman.

"With new players and us coming together, I think we all believe that we're building something good and that we are close.

"We're getting close to being a really good team and being the team that we can be. We need to keep going, stick together, and the results will come."

Surman could represent New Zealand at the World Cup this summer, and Timbers head coach Phil Neville believes it will benefit the centre-back.

New Zealand face Belgium, Egypt and Iran at the tournament hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

"The World Cup presents a significant challenge and opportunity for Finn to continue his incredible growth," said Neville.

"He’ll be playing against the best players in the best atmospheres in the best occasions, which will really test him in his journey."

LAFC, meanwhile, have made a strong start to the 2026 season, picking up 16 points from a possible 18 to lead the West after six games.

They also defeated Cruz Azul 3-0 in their Champions Cup quarter-final during the week, with LAFC yet to lose a game since the turn of the year.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Portland Timbers – Juan Mosquera

Juan Mosquera made an impressive return from injury against Vancouver, scoring and assisting before being substituted at half-time.

Neville will be hoping the defender can play more minutes against a dangerous LAFC attack.

Los Angeles FC – Son Heung-min

Son Heung-min provided four assists in a span of 19 minutes and 32 seconds during the first half of LAFC’s win over Orlando City on Saturday.

It was the second fastest any player has recorded four assists in a single match in MLS history after Lionel Messi did so in 18 minutes and 57 seconds against the New York Red Bulls in 2024.

MATCH PREDICTION – LOS ANGELES FC WIN

LAFC defeated Orlando 6-0 to extend their MLS-record streak of consecutive clean sheets to start the season to six.

Only the Houston Dynamo in June-July 2007 have kept clean sheets in seven consecutive regular-season matches in MLS history.

Portland have just one point from their last five matches after opening the season with a 3-2 win over the Columbus Crew.

The Timbers have only had fewer points after six matches of a season once, collecting just one point at this stage in 2019, before going on to reach the playoffs.

Portland have lost only two of their nine all-time home matches against LAFC (W4 D3), though the last two meetings at Providence Park have ended in draws.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Portland Timbers – 21.3%

Draw – 21.7%

Los Angeles FC – 57.8%