USL First Division club Portland Timbers are in superb form as they wait to join MLS.

The Timbers are on a 23-game unbeaten streak this season as they prepare for their entry into the top flight, which is expected in 2011.

They lead the league by six points with six games to play and have already clinched a play-off berth and coach Gavin Wilkinson said the fans are much happier now than last season where they finished last.

"We have a tremendous group of supporters that are extremely vocal, outspoken, enthusiastic, full of energy and make this feel like a true home advantage," Wilkinson said.

"Yeah, they're a lot happier with me."

President Merritt Paulson said he is excited about what is to come for the club.

"It's always important for us to put a great team on the field," Paulson said.

"With what's going on with MLS, I felt like the stakes were even higher. We had an awful year on a lot of levels in 2008. I fully expected a turnaround. I'd be lying if I said I knew we were going to break records."