MLS Cup play-offs: Timbers will host first final after beating RSL

Portland Timbers will host the MLS Cup final for the first time in their history after conquering Real Salt Lake 2-0 on Saturday.

Felipe Mora and Santiago Moreno were both on target as 2015 MLS champions the Timbers advanced to the showpiece for the third time.

The Timbers will face either New York City or Philadelphia Union in the December 11 final.

Portland made the perfect start to the Western Conference decider when Mora was on hand to fire his deflected shot past David Ochoa after five minutes.

RSL – who were looking to become the first team in MLS history to reach the final without playing a home play-off fixture – had a golden chance to equalise just past the half-hour mark but Damir Kreilach’s header was somehow saved by Steve Clark.

BING. BONG. #RCTID pic.twitter.com/BtIM068HRs

— Portland Timbers (@TimbersFC) December 5, 2021

The Timbers sealed the victory in the 61st minute – Moreno’s long-range effort ricocheting off the post and back off Ochoa at Providence Park – as Portland extended their winning streak to six matches, just their second such run after 2018.