Western Conference Championship, Leg 2: FC Dallas (1) vs. Portland Timbers (3)
Sunday, Nov. 29, 5 p.m. ET (ESPN, TSN2)
The Portland Timbers are within 90 minutes of their first ever MLS Cup appearance following Sunday’s 3-1 win over FC Dallas. Rallied by a capacity crowd under the floodlights at Providence Park, the Timbers received goals from the unlikeliest of sources – defenders Liam Ridgewell and Nat Borchers. Ridgewell potted his first goal of 2015 in the 23rd minute (watch here), before Borchers snapped a 12-year playoff scoring drought – the longest in MLS history – in the 91st frame to give Portland a critical insurance goal (watch here). Dairon Asprilla stole the show with an unbelievable strike from 30 yards out (watch here) that may top Juan Agudelo’s bicycle kick as the goal of the playoffs. Portland didn’t miss a beat without midfielder Diego Valeri and defender Rodney Wallace, who missed Sunday’s match due to yellow card suspension but will be available for selection on Sunday. With that duo back in the fold, the Timbers could be Cup Bound & Down come Sunday night.
Sunday, Nov. 29, 5 p.m. ET (ESPN, TSN2)
The Portland Timbers are within 90 minutes of their first ever MLS Cup appearance following Sunday’s 3-1 win over FC Dallas. Rallied by a capacity crowd under the floodlights at Providence Park, the Timbers received goals from the unlikeliest of sources – defenders Liam Ridgewell and Nat Borchers. Ridgewell potted his first goal of 2015 in the 23rd minute (watch here), before Borchers snapped a 12-year playoff scoring drought – the longest in MLS history – in the 91st frame to give Portland a critical insurance goal (watch here). Dairon Asprilla stole the show with an unbelievable strike from 30 yards out (watch here) that may top Juan Agudelo’s bicycle kick as the goal of the playoffs. Portland didn’t miss a beat without midfielder Diego Valeri and defender Rodney Wallace, who missed Sunday’s match due to yellow card suspension but will be available for selection on Sunday. With that duo back in the fold, the Timbers could be Cup Bound & Down come Sunday night.
Although FC Dallas returns to Frisco facing a two-goal deficit, the team’s resilient performance in the conference semifinal shows it can’t be counted out yet. FCD hasn’t lost at Toyota Stadium since Aug. 15, and finished the regular season with an MLS-best 13 home wins. However, the Timbers haven’t lost a road match since Aug. 30, and finished the regular season tied for an MLS-best seven road wins. Dallas will have to channel its youth and come out swinging in Sunday’s second leg. Mauro Diaz submitted another masterful performance in last night’s loss (watch assist; watch pass) and Dallas will lean on him, Fabian Castillo, and goalkeeper Jesse Gonzalez to spearhead a comeback. Dallas, like the New York Red Bulls, will look to become the first MLS team to overcome a two-goal deficit entering a second leg since the Kansas City Wizards in 2004.
By: Editor
RSS Feed