The Portland Timbers gave up a season-high three goals as they fell 3-1 to the Houston Dynamo on the road Saturday night.

The Timbers, who have played well on defense this season, made critical defensive mistakes Saturday night on crosses, set pieces and counter attacks. The Timbers managed to score a goal, but were otherwise limited in the attack. Portland took just six shots (one on goal) in the game.

Following the disappointing loss to Houston, readers were quick to weigh in with comments about the club's performance this season and questions that they'd like to see asked to the club's front office and coaching staff.

Here's a sample of what you, the fans have to say about this team:

You know the Timbers flat-out stunk when even Porter is unwilling to put a positive spin on the match. Typically, I would expect him to say something like "we got the better of the play...we deserved a better result" or "the heat and humidity really impacted our ability to control the game". But even Porter can't defend the poor quality of today's match. -- Jason Sinclair

Unless the Timbers are playing something of a zone on set plays, especially if there's too much complication and not enough communication... a lot of that IS coaching. They play zonally too much of the time, and that scheme (depending on how the opponent works against it) often loses attackers at the wrong time. For instance, that second Houston goal... nobody steps out to attack the ball because of being concerned about leaving a space open when the attacker is already in a dangerous position.Have a friend saying the team plays with too much fear. Certainly looking that way right now. -- pounder

You didn't mention the two teams we've barely managed to beat on the road - NYCFC and Montreal - aren't exactly odds on favorites to make it to the MLS Cup. In fact, at 2-4-3 their combined home records are worse that our road record, so I'm not sure how significant a "take away" this is considering how poorly we played against an average team in Houston.Maybe a better "take away" was the player that Gavin "gave away" - David Horst. He was better than any of our central defenders, case in point is the free header that Ridgewell gave away on the first goal. I know you've already talked to our GM, so maybe it'll be awhile before His Majesty grants you another interview request, but I'd ask him why he gifted Houston a strong, young, and intelligent central defender for a 4th round pick (Victor Chavez) whom he cut in February.I know Gavin was whining about the cap but last year Ridgewell and Borchers made a combined $2.5 million. Horst? You could get about 35 of him at $70,000. Ridgewell alone makes half that amount every game. I'm not saying he sucks, but I am saying that the salaries this GM is paying his players is out of whack. (Where have you gone, Kris Boyd?) So while I do appreciate you getting to ask a few questions of the FO, there are so many more that need to get answered. It's time you sharpened your pen -- PDX

Very disappointing performance in all areas. Sometimes when you lose (like the game at Vancouver), you can look at the performance and see a lot of positives. But this match at Houston seemed a major step backward--I'd say poorest performance of the season (or at least equal to the Orlando City loss).Adi looked very good scoring the goal. He used his size and strength to overtake the defender and then quality finish, but I agree with your takeaway that we need to see more of this before determining whether he is the long-term answer at Striker. I thought Valieri looked pretty good overall, especially considering the heat/humidity and it only being his third game back.Other than that, everyone disappointed. Nagbe-worst performance of the year, and that's a real concern because he needs to figure out how to stay aggressive alongside Valeri. Jewsbury and Chara-worst performances of the year. They couldn't keep up in the second half, and without Will Johnson available I suppose Porter was reluctant to sub either out. Back line-very disappointing. All four of them looked exposed (esp Powell).So...feeling pretty disappointed today. Things aren't going to get much easier with three matches in eight days all requiring significant travel. Hoping for a much better result in Toronto, but you know that squad is very motivated to win their first match in the new stadium. -- Jason Sinclair

It is quite revealing that PTers are not playing as a team on the field. Watch that one Houston play near the PT goal where they accurately passed no less than three times and finished it off with a great set up for a goal. The Timbers have never been able to do that. It was a treat to see how good coaching results in great teamwork. The Timbers don't have coaches that can jell enough to put the players in a position to score and win. Caleb needs to go back to college where he found great success. If a change isn't made soon the Timbers will, once again, be out of the playoffs. It is especially hard to watch Seattle continue to kick the PTers every time. Please, Army. Call for a change or quit supporting this team -- mustangergt

What's been your reaction to the Timbers performance so far this season? What does this team need to do to improve? You tell us.

-- Jamie Goldberg | jgoldberg@oregonian.com

503-853-3761 | @jamiebgoldberg