With a 3-1 victory over New York City FC, Portland Timbers secured the fourth and last available ticket for the semifinal round of the MLS is Back Tournament in Orlando, Florida on Saturday.
The Big Apple team opened the scoring in the 27th minute. Larrys Mabiala fouled Jesús Medina and the referee in the box Robert sibiga marked the maximum penalty. Medina himself was in charge of charging from the penalty spot and giving his team an advantage.
Before the half-time break, Sebastián Blanco equaled the actions; at 43 ‘, after a corner kick, the attacker finished off on the right and scored the first goal for Portland.
After several dangerous arrivals, Timbers made the return from the break. Jaroslaw Niezgoda assisted Diego Valeri, who sent the ball to the back of the net with a right-footed shot. Both players entered the court as a change at the beginning of the second half.
Portland continued to press and go forward to attack and at 76 ‘, Andy Polo, who also entered the game as a change, sentenced the scoreboard with the third goal with a right-footed shot from outside the area.
In semifinal instances, Portland will face the Philadelphia Union on August 5 for the ticket to the final of the MLS is Back mini tournament.
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