Portland Timbers 3- Real Salt Lake 0
The Portland Timbers are back in the MLS Cup Playoffs! Needing a win to secure their second consecutive berth in MLS’ second season the Timbers pulled off a convincing 3-0 victory over Real Salt Lake on Sunday at Providence Park.
Portland’s goals were scored by Larrys Mabiala (15′) Diego Chara (68′), and Sebastian Blanco (87′). While the goals certainly put the Timbers ahead it was the defensive effort that pushed the side over the edge. Goalkeeper Steve Clark’s parry in the 52nd minute on a shot from Justen Glad from point blank range was not his first save of the match, but it was perhaps his most important robbing RSL of the equalizer. Clark had five saves in the match en route to his second shutout with the Timbers this year and his third of the season.
With the win Portland (15-9-9, 54 points) secure a spot in the 2018 playoffs, their fourth since entering the league in 2011. Now the big question is where they will be seeded? They could end up as high as third as they trail FC Dallas (16-8-9, 57 points) by three points and the Seattle Sounders (17-11-5, 56 points) by two points. Can they run the table and earn themselves a home playoff spot? It is a tall task ahead of them as they travel to Vancouver to take on the Whitecaps on Sunday in a match that doubles as both their regular season finale and a Cascadia Cup match (10/28, 4:30 PM EST/1:30 PM PST, ESPN +).
As for RSL (14-13-7, 49 points) Sunday’s result really dealt a blow to their playoff chances. While they still maintain a one point advantage over the Los Angeles Galaxy (13-11-9, 48 points) for the sixth and final playoff spot they are out of matches. Their encounter with Portland also served as their regular season finale which means that they will have to watch Decision Day at home. The Galaxy will host the Houston Dynamo on Sunday (10/28, 4:30 PM EST/1:30 PM PST, ESPN +) needing a win to leapfrog The Claret and Cobalt. It should be noted that a draw would not allow the Galaxy to advance as RSL would hold the tiebreaker in wins (14 to 13).
You can check out Fern McOstigan’s recap of Sunday’s match below. In the meantime please enjoy some of our photos from the match courtesy of Diego Diaz who you can find on Twitter @dhondiego and on Instagram @dhondiego.
Portland Timbers
