The report says Portland failed to win any of the 10 league matches in which it opened the scoring. The team conceded nine goals in the 90th minute or stoppage time across those fixtures.
The home defeat to Chattanooga captured the pattern. Portland levelled in the second half, only to concede the decisive goal in the 90th minute and lose 2-1.
That record turned promising positions into a recurring source of pressure. The Hearts also showed resilience, claiming two wins and two draws after falling behind, but the latest 3-3 draw at Spokane again underlined the gap between fighting back and controlling a result.
Saturday’s home meeting with Athletic Club Boise now becomes a test of response rather than playoff survival. The report lists Boise fifth, with 14 wins, eight draws and seven defeats, and still chasing a top-four finish that would bring home advantage in the quarter-finals.
Portland’s home campaign has produced five wins, three draws and six defeats. A reported average attendance of 6,234 at Fitzpatrick Stadium should give the Hearts a strong setting for their first match after elimination.
The remaining schedule offers limited consequence in the table but plenty of relevance for next season. After Boise, Portland is due to face Forward Madison on October 17 before hosting Charlotte Independence on October 24.
Saturday’s fixture is the immediate storyline: with the playoffs gone, Portland must show it can protect a lead and manage the closing stages better.