The Portland Timbers are the MLS is Back Tournament Champions!
Not only did they win the tournament, but they also gained automatic entry into the 2021 Champions League, not to mention prize money of $300,000. The Timbers are for real and playing an amazing game of football.
The Rose City came into the event as complete underdogs. Defying all odds, they sealed the deal with a win over a team that has had an upper edge over them since their inception into MLS.
As many have stated, it’s defense that wins games. Today, it was the Timbers’ two starting center backs Larrys Mabiala and Dario Zuparic who showed up as defensive heroes.
This tournament has brought to light many talented players who are paving their way into the team’s starting eleven, namely Jeremy Ebobisse and Eryk Williamson.
Orlando came in with a stingy approach in their defensive game, stopping the likes of Diego Valeri, Sebastian Blanco, and Jeremy Ebobisse completely.
However, El Maestro came in clutch, assisting on the first goal. He later rallied the team with his leadership from the sidelines after getting substituted for Bill Tuiloma in the 90th minute.
For Oscar Pareja and OCSC, despite having the edge in possession and scoring opportunities, in the end it was the Timbers’ patience and intelligence that earned them the win.
The event saw the surge of many teams looking to become among the league most elite such as Philadelphia, FC Cincinnati, and Orlando City. But in the end, a determined Portland Timbers side would ultimately triumph..
Kudos to the whole Rose City side, and especially to manager Giovanni Savarese, who since his arrival at Soccer City USA has elevated his team and has now shown how this team can become the playmakers in seasons to come.
Now the Timbers are ready for the continuance of MLS regular tournament, but in the end, hail to Gio Savarese and company for such an amazing job delivering the team their second trophy in the the MLS is Back Tournament.
As the adage states, defense wins games and today the Portland Timbers’ defense rose to the occasion, not only defending but also scoring the game-winner. This team is for real!
Goals
Larrys Mabiala 27’ PTFC, Mauricio Pereyra 39’ OCSC, Dario Zuparic 66’ PTFC
Highlights
Larrys Mabiala can certainly be a game-changer at center back.
Dario Zuparic is becoming the player the Timbers needed, both by defending and by scoring the game-winner
Diego Valeri being a top playmaker, the man keeps going and going strong
Kudos to the Timbers’ defensive backfield of Chris Duvall, Larrys Mabiala, Dario Zuparic, and Jorge Villafaña
Chris Duvall has fit into Gio’s defensive backfield and in every game, and he shows it proudly
Jorge Villafaña returning to his old defensive game lately and today was no exception
Hail to Jeremy Ebobisse – Sebastian Blanco was silent all night, but opened doors for Mabiala and Zuparic
This tournament shows Gio’s winning pedigree, with potentially more to come for the Green and Gold
Once again, the winning moves and magic of Giovanni Savarese were on display after his team was dominated and look at the way they delivered at exactly the right time.
Overall, this team went against the forecast, defied the odds and shouted who is the league champion!
Men of the Match
Larrys Mabiala and Dario Zuparic
