Timbers beat Philadelphia 2-1 in MLS is Back semifinals

By: The Associated Press Posted: 9:29 PM CDT Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2020 Last Modified: 9:29 PM CDT Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2020

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LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. - Jeremy Ebobisse and Sebastian Blanco each scored and the Portland Timbers earned a spot in the MLS is Back championship game with a 2-1 victory over the Philadelphia Union on Wednesday night.

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This article was published 05/08/2020 (2236 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – Jeremy Ebobisse and Sebastian Blanco each scored and the Portland Timbers earned a spot in the MLS is Back championship game with a 2-1 victory over the Philadelphia Union on Wednesday night.

The Timbers will face the winner of Thursday night’s game between Orlando City and Minnesota United in the title match on Tuesday. The tournament winner earns a spot in the 2021 CONCACAF Champions League.

Down two goals, Philadelphia closed the gap on Andrew Wooten’s goal in the 85th minute. It appeared the Union pulled even on Kacper Przybylko’s goal a minute later, but it was ruled offside.

Philadelphia Union defender Kai Wagner, left, and Portland Timbers midfielder Eryk Williamson collide during the first half of an MLS soccer match, Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2020, in Kissimmee, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Portland earned its spot in the semifinals with a 3-1 victory over NYCFC.

Philadelphia goalkeeper Andre Blake dove to push away Blanco’s early attempt in the 10th minute but some three minutes later Ebobisse’s header off Diego Valeri’s corner kick gave Portland the early lead.

The Union, who had not previously trailed in the tournament, had a chance to pull even in first-half stoppage time when Blanco fouled Jamiro Monteiro. Sergio Santos’ penalty kick went over the bar and two the right.

Santos finished with three goals in the tournament, while Blake led all goalkeepers with 34 saves.

Blake dove to stop Andy Polo’s shot in the 69th minute. Moments later Blanco was unmarked for a header to the far corner to put the Timbers up 2-0. It was Blanco’s third goal of the tournament, to go with five assists.

The Timbers, who won the MLS Cup in 2015, had won six of the 10 previous meetings between the two teams. Philadelphia’s only win in the series came back in 2015.

The Union scored three first-half goals in quick succession to defeat Sporting Kansas City 3-1 in the quarterfinals to advance.

The monthlong World Cup-style tournament has been played without fans at ESPN’s Wide World Of Sports at Walt Disney World. Players have been sequestered for the duration at Disney resorts.

At the half, MLS Commissioner Don Garber told Fox Sports that the league would soon be announcing a schedule for matches once the teams return to their home markets.

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