Photo: AP/John Raoux
Portland Timbers 2-1 Orlando City SC
ORLANDO, FL–After 35 days and 51 matches, the Portland Timbers came out on top in a 2-1 win over Orlando City SC at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World. The Timbers take home $300,000 in prize money and a place in the 2021 CONCACAF Champions League.
While the focus was on players like Jeremy Ebobisse, Sebastian Blanco, and Diego Valeri, it would be the two center backs who would score the goals for the Timbers on this night. Larrys Mabiala scored in the 27th minute after heading in a Valeri free kick to put the Timbers ahead.
Twelve minutes later, Nani sent a low cross to Mauricio Pereyra who would score from six yards out to equalize for the Lions.
In the 66th minute, it would be another set piece for Portland and another center back scoring, This time, Eyrk Williamson set up Ebobisse, who set up Dario Zuparic for his maiden goal with the Timbers. This came after Pedro Gallese made two outstanding saves a minute prior.
Despite a 64-36 edge in possession, the Lions were frustrated often by the Timbers’ defense and would get only the one shot on target through Pereyra. Indeed, Steve Clark would not record a save on the night.
“For us this is going to be a great memory,” Timbers coach Giovanni Savarese said of winning the tournament. “It’s special, it’s unique and we’re able to lift this trophy that gives us the possibility to compete outside the United States. It’s a special feeling. Who knows if there will be another tournament like this, but we’re proud to give another trophy to Portland.”
Though the tournament had a rough start, with FC Dallas and Nashville SC having to withdraw due to positive cases among their teams, the tournament would finish smoothly and ended with some surprises and truly entertaining soccer. In the end, it was the familiar sight of a Cascadia side, this time Portland, competing for a trophy and winning.
When Phase 1 of the regular season restarts, the Timbers will host Seattle on August 23rd (8pm PT, FS1) while Orlando travel to Fort Lauderdale to play Inter Miami the day prior at 8pm ET.
(Edit: Quotes from Timbers coach Giovanni Savarese added at 10:15am CT)
Portland Timbers
