- Portland Timbers won the MLS is Back trophy, defeating the Orlando City in the finals, 2-1.
- Timbers won their second-ever trophy, thanks to Diego Valeri, who was involved in both goals and superb throughout the tournament.
- Orlando had a higher percentage of ball possession but was poor when needing to execute.
Timbers Snatch the First Trophy Since 2015
Giovani Savarese and his team showed everyone that their side still has enough to win trophies, although many wrote them off after the 2018 MLS Cup finals. Back then, Timbers lost to Atlanta United.
Still, two years later, they won another trophy. The MLS is Back tournament, which was held in pretty unusual ended up with Portland taking the prize back home.
“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,” said Savarese after the match.
His team took down the biggest surprise of the entire tournament, Orlando City, 2-1, using its experience and fantastic offensive potential.
We again saw Diego Valeri packing goals, and bossing the midfield. The Argentinian was probably the best player of the tournament and his contribution in the finals was enormous. Both Portland’s goals came after his set-pieces.
The first one came after some 27 minutes of play, with Larrys Mabiala heading the ball to the net following Valeri’s free-kick. Only 12 minutes later, Orlando leveled the score.
Their veteran superstar, Nani, assisted Mauricio Pereyra, who scored from a nearby to bring the game back to the start. This was the result at the halftime.
Even though Orlando had the ball in its feet, there weren’t any big chances from their side. Portland was more direct, and each time they went towards Pedro Gallese’s goal.
Timbers’ second goal was in the 66th minute. Valeri’s corner-kick reached Eryk Williamson, who wanted to shoot, but hit Dario Zuparic, who changed the path of the ball, sending it into the net. It turned out to be a game-winning score, the one who would bring the trophy to Providence Park.
Portland’s Superb Ride in Orlando
Without a doubt, the Timbers had the most difficult schedule of all the teams in the bubble. They played against the top favorite for winning the tournament LAFC, its city rivals, LA Galaxy and Houston Dynamo in the group stage. After that, Portland met FC Cincinnati in the round of 16, New York City FC in the quarterfinals, and Philadelphia Union in the semis.
It is fascinating that they scored two or more goals in all games except Cincy.
“You know, I always think that the more difficult the fight is, the more beautiful the victory is,” Laryss Mabiala said. “At the end, we’ve been through many difficult games, especially the last two against Orlando and Philadelphia.”
Portland secured the place in the CONCACAF Champions League for the 2021 season, and a sum of $300,000 for the win.
They are meeting Seattle Sounders on August 23, in the restart of the MLS championship, while Orlando plays against Inter Miami a day earlier.
