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Portland Timbers contra Orlando City en la final de MLS is Back

Two goals from Portuguese star Nani gave Orlando the lead in the first half to guide the hosts to beat Minnesota United 3-1 and advance to the Final of the MLS Is Back tournament.

Orlando will face off in the mini-tournament title match against the Portland Timbers.

“We are very happy to be in the Final, it has been a great tournament and it is a great opportunity for our players to represent the franchise,” said Lions coach Oscar Pareja. “They have done it in a great way and they deserve to be in the Final. It was a great difficult game to beat Minnesota. We respect our style, our game, and that makes us even more proud. ”

Nani, captain and team leader, scored at 36 ‘and 42’ to overtake the home team. The Portuguese star has played in his career at Sporting Lisbon, Manchester United, Fenerbache, Valencia and Lazio. As a player for Orlando City, he contributed his experience in important games to lead the group to the Final.

“Leadership right now when we need it the most and shows up is what has made (Nani) an elite player in his career. I am also proud to see him arrive at each training session as if he were a young man, with all the desire and infecting his teammates, ”said the Colombian coach after the match. “He is one of those players that the league likes. I am very pleased with him.

The 33-year-old winger is in his second season with Orlando City and has helped the team make history in his sixth season in MLS, after debuting as an expansion franchise in the 2015 season.

In the previous five seasons, Orlando City has never qualified for the Postseason, making reaching the MLS Is Back Tournament Final the club’s highest achievement.

“For the club and the group of players it means a lot to reach the Final in a short period of time. We have adapted to everyone’s methodology and layout and I am proud that they are achieving the results while respecting the ways that have been imposed from the beginning, “said Pareja.

On the Minnesota bench was an old acquaintance from Orlando City: coach Adrian Heath, who has helped build the Florida franchise since its inception in 2011 in the lower categories of the United States’ USL Pro league.

Already with Orlando City as part of the MLS, Heath was technical director of the club until he was removed in 2016.

“They know the connection I have with Orlando City and with the city. It will always be more than any other game for me, because I respect the fans. We built this club together, ”Heath said prior to the Semifinal matchup.

Minnesota tried to respond at the end of the game against Orlando City with a Mason Toye goal at 83 ‘, but the Florida club contained the final attacks and sentenced in compensation time with their third goal, the work of Benji Michel at 96’.

Defensive strength has been a feature of Orlando City. In six mini-tournament matches, the Lions have scored 11 goals and received five.

“We have done a great job, game by game we are growing and we came to the championship to take it away,” said City goalkeeper Pedro Gallese, who had punctual interventions at the end of the duel against Minnesota.

The MLS Is Back Final, which will award a ticket to the Concacaf Champions League and a prize money, will take place on Tuesday, August 11.

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