MLS: Portland Timbers clinch Western Conference title
After a scorching run through the end of the season and the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs, the Portland Timbers have booked their first-ever berth in the MLS Cup.
The Timbers defeated FC Dallas 3-1 at home in the first leg of the Conference Championships and then held on to a 2-2 draw on Sunday to win 5-3 on aggregate.
Fanendo Adi scored his second goal of the playoffs in the 54th minute after receiving a pass from Diego Valeri in the box and fighting off Walker Zimmerman to slot it in the back of the net.
Ryan Hollings head provided a goal for Dallas in the 68th minute with a classy finish after a beautiful pass over the top from Mauro Diaz.
Blas Perez, who subbed on in the 66th minute, made the last 15 minutes of the game even more interesting when he scored off a set piece in the 73rd minute.
Lucas Melano provided the clincher for the Timbers, working his past Jesse Gonzalez in the 95th minute to ensure the Timbers’ spot.
They will await the winner of Columbus Crew SC and the New York Red Bulls for their opponent in the MLS Cup next week (4 pm ET; ESPN/UniMás in US; TSN/RDS in Canada).
Source: MLSSoccer.com
