Team of destiny: Portland defeats Columbus to capture 1st MLS Cup

Portland, Ore., known for parks, eco-friendliness, and microbreweries, can now boast being home to Major League Soccer's champion.

On Sunday, at MAPFRE Stadium in Columbus, Ohio, the Portland Timbers became the 10th club in league history to win the MLS Cup, defeating the hometown Columbus Crew 2-1 after scoring two goals in the fixture's opening seven minutes.

By virtue of the result, the Timbers - who are also the third MLS expansion team to experience championship glory - ended a professional sports title drought in the city of Portland that dates back to 1977, when the Trail Blazers won their only NBA championship.

It wasn't all that long ago, however, that the title drought in the Rose City looked set to continue. The Timbers were on the brink of elimination in the Western Conference knockout round just over one month ago while hosting Sporting Kansas City, in what ended up being the longest penalty shootout in MLS history.

Then, destiny intervened.

With a chance to win the match, Sporting KC's Saad Abdul-Salaam watched his penalty kick hit both posts before rolling out, paving the way for the Timbers to win the game when 'keeper Adam Kwarasey made a diving stop on the shootout's 22nd shot.

Manager Caleb Porter was asked ahead of the MLS Cup if he thought the Timbers were a team of destiny, to which he replied: "Do I believe in destiny? That's a deep question."

While the question was certainly just as deep as the Timbers' run in the MLS Cup playoffs, it took only 27 seconds for destiny to work in Portland's favor yet again, as 'keeper Steve Clark made a mess of a backpass, allowing Diego Valeri to score the quickest goal in MLS Cup history.

Related - VIDEO: Valeri scores fastest goal in MLS Cup final history, gives Portland lead after 27 seconds

Only moments later, destiny knocked on the door again. Referee Jair Marrufo didn't notice that the ball had rolled out of bounds, resulting in the Crew coughing up possession before Rodney Wallace headed home a cross from Alvas Powell.

A subsequent goal from the Crew's Kei Kamara proved to be nothing more than consolation for the home side, and the final whistle confirmed a result that, for many, seemed like it was always meant to be.