Diego Valeri named MLS Cup MVP

It looks set to be one of the most unpredictable MLS Cup finals in recent memory and both sides will feel they have a genuine shot at success on Sunday evening.

It was the first time the Timbers had lifted the champion’s trophy, denying Columbus a second MLS title after their breakthrough in 2008.

Caleb Porter dryly noted in his pre-match press conference that the Timbers hadn’t had one player selected in the MLS all-star team, but that’s the way he likes it.

“We knew that they take risks to play, ” Valeri said.

The Timbers got off to the best possible start with the fastest goal in MLS Cup history.

The Timbers doubled their lead in the seventh minute, even though their scoring sequence should not have happened.

There was some question that the ball was out of bounds before Wallace scored what proved to be the winning goal. But, from my viewpoint I couldnt see a thing.”. The MLS playoffs more specifically have been so long that one forgets that our TFC were actually in the playoffs.

“The top goal scorer in the league would not be playing in this game, so it would affect us”, Berhalter said. I think the possession games going to be important.

Afful’s team-mate, Kamara who is from Sierra Leone scored his 26th goal of the season after Kwarasey failed to properly handle a cross.

The Crew later said via Twitter that Kamara would be a game-time decision. The injury didn’t turn out to be serious.

“He has a lovely house on the lake and we take his boat to go to eat out at restaurants”.

The Timbers moved back into defensive mode for most of the remainder of the first half to protect their lead. Portland though had their chances especially with Melano as Michael Parkhurst blocked his scuffed shot in the 53 minute.

“The fact of the matter is, with three games and two weeks left to go in the regular season, this team was not making the playoffs”.

Then ten minutes later, Jorge Villafana put a cross into Fanendo Adi, who headed the ball off the far post. In the 82 minute, Clark stopped a point-blank header from Nat Borchers. But the Crew had no answer. Berhalter said he didn’t see the play.

Then I thought “But I’d like it to be someone from our Conference”.

The Portland defense was impeccable in the second half. “I have to really assess what’s wrong with him”. As small-market teams that have garnered fervent local fan support, Columbus not only show that the model citizens of MLS can win it all, but they should provide a riveting match as well.

Side bet: What the the odds Eddie Johnson’s PK from the 2013 MLS Cup game re-enters orbit during halftime?

Ghana goalkeeper Adam Kwarasey has been named as the victor of the 2015 Save of the Year Award by the Major League Soccer (MLS) which is America’s top-flight club competition organisers. The Timbers’ victory log wasn’t able to log in to Mapfre Stadium for the game. “A lot of emotions going on but we’re hosting the MLS Cup in Columbus”, midfielder Wil Trapp told the Crew’s official website. The Timbers won a close match in late September 2-1.