The Portland Timbers advanced to their third final since their inception in Major League Soccer, 10 years ago. And for the first time in club history, the Timbers will host the MLS Cup final on December 11th.
As the Portland Timbers overcame a season with several complications, they rose to the occasion and against all odds have made their way into MLS Cup, thanks to their hard work. This game, Felipe Mora and Santiago Moreno were the main contributors yesterday on Portland’s win over Real Salt Lake.
As a first for Portland to host MLS Cup, it will be the highlight after playing two times on the road in previous finals.
With Gio’s traditional 4-2-3-1 formation and Marvin Loria and Santiago Moreno starting in the midfield in place of both an injured Sebastian Blanco and a suspended Dairon Aspirilla, both Moreno and Loria deliver stunning performances.
In addition of the Timbers’ defensive game in every match continues to find its place and plays a stingy defense along with goalkeeper Steve Clark raising to the occasion along with his back four. With a stunning save in the 33rd minute from a Damir Kreilach shot with an instant reaction.
What can you tell me of Felipe Mora taking advantage of Aaron Herrera’s mishap and delivering with a ricochet the game’s first score with the clock just five minutes into the game? In the second half, in the 61st minute, Santiago Moreno’s shot hit the post and off Ochoa’s back and into the net.
In the end, RSL finished the match with just 10 men after Aaron Herrera picked his second yellow card and was sent off. Again, the dominance of the Rose City side was clear and denying the visitors any hopes for a comeback.
Here are my player’s ratings
Steve Clark
The man is the master of his posts and continues to shine with his second clean sheet of the postseason with a spectacular his save in the 33rd minute and finishing with 3 on the night. Grade 10
Josecarlos Van Rankin
The man is consolidating his skills defensively lately. The man was solid in the game and not allowing the visitors any liberties. Pity his loan is expiring and must return to Chivas soon. Grade 6
Larrys Mabiala
Very active and dynamic in every play the man was involved all game long and delivering along with his partner Dario Zuparic to deliver us gem of a defensive game. Grade 8
Dario Zuparic
The Croatian is one iron horse and is loaded with determination to deliver a great game. Very solid center back and dependable in the backfield. Grade 9
Claudio Bravo
The Andean is one amazing playmaker in both offense and defense with the latter one his main trait and with time, the man has grown into a solid starter. Grade 9
Diego Chara
This workhorse is unstoppable and one serious element that many opposing strikers fear because of the tough approach he takes defending as well setting the tone in the midfield. Grade 10
Cristhian Paredes
Lately, give the Guarani credit for taking advantage of the starting opportunity he has been given and with his performances in the postseason. Grade 7.5
Marvin Loria
This Tico didn’t disappoint Gio’s call and the man looked very firm and challenging in every play during the game until his substitution in the 80th minute for Diego Valeri. Grade 6
Yimmi Chara
Not bad for his start in the middle and the younger Chara did an exemplary job of possession and orchestrating the attack. Grade 7.5
Santiago Moreno
The man is on fire and in every game the lad is showing off his hunger and determination to make an impact with the Portland Timbers. I praise this man’s determination and hard work. Grade 9
Felipe Mora
The man is looking for any opportunity and he found it last night after that poor clearance that led his team throughout the match until the cushion goal by Moreno in the 61st minute. Grade 7
Giovanni Savarese
After the storm, calm prevails and the man admirably has led his team to its third final and second under his tenure, the man is one amazing Chessmaster. Grade 10
Portland Timbers
