Kristoffer Velde
POT
RW (LW)
One-v-One Creator
Sep 9, 1999 (26)
Right
5'10"
143 lb
Portland TimbersFit to face Chicago
Velde (undisclosed) is in the starting XI for Sunday's match against Chicago.
Analysis: Velde is healed up and ready to go for Sunday after dealing with an undisclosed injury in the last match, with the midfielder not missing any time between matches as he starts against Chicago. He is a key part of their attack and midfield, so he should remain a starter, recording four goals and four assists in 17 appearances (16 starts) this campaign.
Forced off in victory
Velde (undisclosed) was forced off in the 56th minute of Thursday's 3-1 Leagues Cup win over Tijuana, two minutes after an awkward coming together with the full-back inside the box, according to Stumptown Footy.
Analysis: Velde has been in strong form this season, contributing four goals and four assists across 17 MLS appearances while averaging 8.5 crosses per match, including a standout showing with an assist and 13 crosses in a recent win over Seattle. His condition will be checked ahead of Sunday's match against Chicago, and Antony could see a larger role if Velde is unable to go.
Assists with 13 crosses
Velde assisted once to go with three shots (two on goal), 13 crosses (three accurate) and four corners in Saturday's 2-1 win versus Seattle Sounders FC.
Analysis: Velde delivered a standout performance Saturday, supplying an assist and sending in 13 crosses during the win. He's now averaging 8.4 crosses per match and has contributed four goals and four assists across 17 MLS appearances.
Back-to-back assists
Velde assisted once to go with seven shots (two on goal), 17 crosses (four accurate) and 10 corners in Saturday's 2-1 win versus Real Salt Lake.
Analysis: Velde delivered his most threatening performance of the season, leading his side with a season-high seven shots while also seeing a goal disallowed. He matched David Da Costa atop the creative charts with five chances created and added a season-high 17 crosses. His only official goal contribution came from one of his 10 corners, which was converted by Felipe Mora. It continues a bright start to the post-World Cup period for Velde, who has now registered back-to-back assists while totaling 10 shots and seven chances created across the last two games.
Assists in draw
Velde assisted once to go with three shots (one on goal), nine crosses (zero accurate) and two corners in Wednesday's 2-2 draw against FC Dallas.
Analysis: Velde made an immediate impact after coming on in the 55th minute, driving down the left flank to set up Felipe Mora for a finish inside the box. His two chances created in limited time reflect the kind of influence he has shown throughout the season, where his 38 shots and 27 chances created across 15 matches have translated into four goals and two assists. If he starts their next fixture against Salt Lake, who sit fourth in the Western Conference standings, it will be a difficult test to build on his current form.
Option moving forward
Velde (not injury related) is an option for Wednesday's match against Dallas after training ahead of the match, according to Adam Susman of the Timber Review.
Analysis: Velde was not with his team as they resumed MLS play following the World Cup break as he travled home for the birth of his child. This will clear the midfielder for play, only missing the one match as he prepares to face Dallas. He has recorded four goals and one assist in his 14 appearances (14 starts), likely to immediately reclaim his role in the attacking midfield.
Absent for birth of child
Velde is out for Wednesday's match against Seattle due to the birth of his first child, according to the MLS injury report.
Analysis: Velde will not be with his club as they return from the World Cup break, as he has instead travelled to Norway following the birth of his first child. This will likely only leave him out for a week, and he should return to face Dallas on July 22. However, they will be without a significant starter, leaving Antony and Alexander Aravena to likely run the attacking flanks.
Strong effort from flank
Velde had two shots (one on goal), eight crosses (three accurate) and four corners in Saturday's 3-1 loss versus San Jose Earthquakes.
Analysis: Across the Timbers' last four games, Velde averaged 3.8 chances created and 2.5 accurate crosses, excelling out wide. Going into the World Cup respite, his 2026 season's 14 appearances feature one assist on 53 corners, 25 chances created and 24 accurate crosses.
Sends in nine crosses in loss
Velde registered four shots (two on goal), nine crosses (two accurate) and five corners in Sunday's 2-0 loss against Inter Miami CF.
Analysis: Velde led Portland in crosses as usual, but it wasn't enough to avoid the road loss. The midfielder is now averaging 7.4 crosses in 13 starts. He also took the most shots for his side in the match.
Registers first assist
Velde assisted once to go with two shots (zero on goal), 13 crosses (two accurate) and nine corners in Wednesday's 2-2 draw versus CF Montreal.
Analysis: Velde added a new dimension to his season by recording his first league assist, setting up Kevin Kelsy for the team's first goal of the night. It complements what has already been a strong campaign for the winger, who has found the net four times in 12 appearances. His involvement over the last five games has been relentless, with 13 shots, 11 chances created and 45 crosses underlining his influence out wide.
Nets opener
Velde scored one goal to go with four shots (one on goal), nine crosses (three accurate) and four corners in Saturday's 6-0 win against Sporting Kansas City.
Analysis: Velde netted the opener in the sixth minute, setting Portland on the front foot with an assist from David Da Costa. Velde recorded the most crosses in the game, created six chances, and also made two clearances and two tackles. This was his first goal in four games.
Registers joint-most crosses
Velde had three shots (zero on goal), six crosses (zero accurate) and two corners in Saturday's 2-0 defeat versus Real Salt Lake.
Analysis: Velde registered the joint most crosses in the game, completed 23 passes, and made a tackle. He has now gone three games without scoring after netting three goals in the previous four matches.
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