Cole Bassett
POT
Center Midfielder
Attacking Midfielder
Box-to-Box
Jul 28, 2001 (25)
Both
5'11"
150 lb
Back in squad Saturday
Bassett (illness) is among the substitutes for Saturday's match against Colorado Rapids.
Analysis: Bassett had been unused due to flu-like symptoms in prior games but is presumably healthy enough to see action in the weekend clash. His involvement in central midfield would lead to reduced playing time for Eric Izoita and Diego Chara. Before dealing with the sickness, the 25-year-old was a regular starter and had recorded three goals plus four assists across 23 MLS appearances in 2026.
Doesn't play due to illness
Bassett remained an unused substitute in Portland's last two matches due to flu-like symptoms that began before the clash against Sporting Kansas City, according to coach Marti Cifuentes, per Adam Susman of The Timber Review. "Cole has had some sort of flu since before the SKC game."
Analysis: Bassett has been sidelined for two consecutive matches, including Wednesday's 2-0 defeat against LA Galaxy, after falling ill ahead of the Sporting Kansas City matchup. The midfielder has recorded three goals and four assists across 23 MLS appearances this season, making his absence a setback for Portland's midfield rotation. The severity of his illness and his recovery timeline remain unclear, leaving his availability for the next fixture uncertain. Bassett should be in contention to reclaim his regular role once he has fully recovered.
Logs assist in draw
Bassett made an assist, had four shots (one on target), created four chances and suffered three fouls during Wednesday's 2-2 draw against St. Louis City.
Analysis: Bassett bounced back from some quiet outings as of late and was one of his team's most productive players on this one by both finishing plays and creating a lot for teammates, which included the assist for Kristoffer Velde's equalizer late in the game. That's now three goals and four assists over 20 starts for the midfielder, who's enjoying another campaign full of ups and downs in his first year at Portland.
Assists opener
Bassett assisted once to go with one shot (zero on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and two chances created in Wednesday's 3-1 win versus San Diego FC.
Analysis: Bassett added his first assist since April, recording his third of the season overall. The midfielder has created at least one chance in four of his last five league games, including two chances in three of those matches, while taking seven shots during that stretch and scoring one goal.
Hits woodwork Saturday
Bassett recorded three shots (one on goal), two crosses (zero accurate) and one chance created in Saturday's 2-1 victory against Real Salt Lake. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 10th minute.
Analysis: Bassett had a difficult time in duels, winning only one of 10, but remained a threat going forward with three shots and one chance created. His luck continues to desert him however with one of those efforts hitting the woodwork for the second straight game. Across his last three outings the midfielder has taken seven shots and created four chances while finding the net once.
Scores in Thursday's win
Bassett scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal), two crosses (zero accurate) and two chances created in Thursday's 5-1 win over Seattle Sounders FC.
Analysis: Bassett and Portland made their return to MLS play Thursday after nearly two months off for the World Cup. Bassett went into the break in very good form, and that appears to have carried over the extended vacation. He found the back of the net in the 60th minute, his third goal of the season, all of which have come in his last five matches. He also created multiple chances for the fourth time this season. He was subbed off in the 73rd minute for Jose Caicedo.
Scores in two straight games
Bassett scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal), two crosses (one accurate) and three chances created in Wednesday's 2-2 draw versus CF Montreal. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 83rd minute.
Analysis: Bassett had gone without a goal in each of his first six starts this campaign but has now found the net in back to back games, scoring the equalizer to earn his side a valuable point. The midfielder has been growing in influence recently, registering seven shots and creating nine chances across his last five outings.
Nets on Saturday
Bassett scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal), one cross (one accurate) and one chance created in Saturday's 6-0 victory over Sporting Kansas City.
Analysis: Bassett netted in the 22nd minute, assisted by Kevin Kelsy. Bassett also made an interception and completed 55 of 57 attempted passes. This was his first goal for Portland since his move from Colorado Rapids.
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