The Portland Timbers have advanced to the Western Conference final with a dramatic 1-0 win over the Colorado Rapids after a dramatic 90th minute goal by defender Larrys Mabiala. With the win the Timbers will play either Real Salt Lake at home, or Sporting Kansas City on the road in the Conference Final.
Colorado would largely control the first half, outshooting the Timbers by a 7-2 count, with a few nice saves by goalkeeper Steve Clark keeping the Rapids off the scoreboard. The Timbers would largely control the second half, outshooting the Rapids 10-3 after the break, and losing Sebastián Blanco to what appeared to be a severe leg strain early in the half.
But just when the match appeared headed to extra time, a late corner kick would pay off for the Timbers as Felipe Mora failed in an attempted bicycle kick, but would flick the ball up to Larrys Mabiala, who left his feet to stab at the free ball just a few yards out from the Rapid goal, and put it into the net for the dramatic late goal, and the Timbers had a 1-0 lead.
The Timbers would have to survive late red card to Dairon Asprilla, who was sent off after he responded to being pushed twice by a Rapids player on the sideline, and then four minutes of stoppage time that extended to eight before the whistle was finally blown, but they would hold on for the 1-0 victory as Mabiala would get his second goal in two playoff games this year, after not scoring in the regular season all year.,
The Timbers now wait for Sunday’s match where Real Salt Lake travels to Sporting Kansas City. In the home team wins, the Timbers would travel to Kansas City for the Conference Final. If the road team pulls off the upset, they would travel to Portland for that match.
MATCH RECAP | Mabiala late goal lifts Portland Timbers to 1-0 playoff victory over Colorado Rapids | Timbers Website
HIGHLIGHTS | Portland Timbers shut out Colorado Rapids 1-0 behind Mabiala goal | Nov. 25, 2021 | Timbers Website
