Minnesota United head coach Eric Ramsay highlighted his side's need to get used to playing against low blocks as they prepare to travel to the Portland Timbers in MLS.

Minnesota were on a five-game unbeaten streak in all competitions heading into their midweek tie with Los Angeles FC, a match they lost 1-0 after struggling to break down their opponents.

The Loons remain third in the Western Conference and are only two points behind leaders San Diego FC.

Ramsay noted it is a sign of respect when teams sit deep to frustrate his attacking side, but noted the importance of figuring out a way to win regardless.

"They're obviously making big efforts to defend the space in behind, and that's then for us to adapt," he said.

"That's going to be the next step of the team's evolution. We're going to have to be a team that can do everything.

"We have to get better around the box. We have to be a team that can create from very little space, which obviously isn't always the case for us.

"Typically, we're a team that attacks really well in big spaces, but we can, and we will get better at attacking in the [other] types of spaces."

Portland, meanwhile, are sixth in the West, seven points behind their opponents.

They have won just one of their last five matches and have lost their last two matches in a row, but defender Finn Surman is confident they can turn things around.

"I think the best thing we can do now is look forward to the weekend," Surman said.

"We've got another game quickly, and the best way to look at it is that we have another opportunity to try and get three points. It's not about forgetting the last game but reviewing it and getting back on track.

"We're all capable of defending in front and behind us, but it's just about getting those moments right and being there to back each other up if things do go wrong."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Portland Timbers – Kevin Kelsy

Kevin Kelsy produced Portland's lone shot on target in their loss to Real Salt Lake.

It was Portland's fourth MLS match with one or zero shots on goal this season after having no such games in 2024.

Minnesota United – Bongokuhle Hlongwane

Bongokuhle Hlongwane has scored four goals in his five career MLS matches against the Timbers.

Since Hlongwane's MLS debut in 2022, only Ryan Gauld (five) has more regular-season goals versus Portland.

MATCH PREDICTION: DRAW

Portland posted a 3-2 win at Minnesota in the last meeting between the sides in June 2024, only the Timbers' fifth win in 17 all-time meetings versus the Loons. Portland have never recorded consecutive wins over Minnesota United in all competitions.

The Timbers' 10-match home unbeaten streak came to an end with a 1-0 defeat to Real Salt Lake on Wednesday. Portland have not lost consecutive home regular-season matches since doing so in September 2019.

Meanwhile, Minnesota have lost only one of their last 11 away matches in all competitions dating back to the start of March (W6 D4). Every other MLS team has at least two road losses in all competitions in that time.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Portland Timbers – 38.5%

Draw – 26.5%

Minnesota United – 35%