Portland Timbers are in the MLS is Back finals, as they defeated Philadelphia Union last night, 1-2, securing themselves a second title game in the previous three years.
Giovanni Savarese’s boys were excellent with their tactical approach, and they were punishing every mistake of Philly’s players’. Timbers came out strong, not allowing the Union to impose its own defensive and slow-paced style of play, attacking their goal and that gave results.
Sebastian Blanco had the chance to draw the first blood early one, but his shot was stopped. Yet, three minutes later, Jeremy Ebobisse used Diego Valeri’s corner to give Portland a lead.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_JUn2U8ym0
Until the end of the halftime, we saw several interesting situations, mostly created by TImbers, but the biggest opportunity for a goal was seen on Union’s side. Two minutes into the first-half stoppage time, Philly had a penalty, but Sergio Santos, who scored three goals in this tournament, sent the ball wide, dropping a chance to boost the morale of this side.
Nothing particularly exciting happened until the 70th minute, when Blanco put his name on the scoresheet. It was another header, as Portlands’ star founded himself on the far post unguided.
Philadelphia did increase the pressure a little bit, and there were some results after that. Andrew Wooten cut the gap five minutes before the end to give some hope, and just 60 seconds later, Kacper Przybylko hit the back of the net, but that one was ruled out because of offside.
Unfortunately for Union’s fans, this was the last chance of their team to change the result and to avoid elimination. They are now heading home after a very solid campaign during which they never trailed up until this event.
Portland, meanwhile, is preparing to meet the better form of Minnesota United vs. Orlando City clash, which takes place on Thursday evening.
The Timbers are one of the best teams in the league several years back, and they are looking to add the second MLS trophy to their collection. The 2015 champs, are now on their way to another title, and according to the majority of the experts, they should be big favorites in the finals, regardless of the opponent on the other side.
The final match of this tournament is scheduled for August 11 at the ESPN Wide World of Sport Complex.
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