Portland Timbers squash FC Dallas on aggregate, advance to 1st MLS Cup
The Portland Timbers are heading to the MLS Cup Final for the first time.
Despite drawing 2-2 against FC Dallas in the second leg of the Western Conference Championship, the Timbers managed to pull off a 5-3 aggregate win. The Timbers won the first leg 3-1 at Providence Park.
The Timbers' series-winning fourth goal came from Fanendo Adi in the second half, proving enough to separate these two sides on a rainy night at Toyota Stadium. Then, in the 95th minute of play, Lucas Melano scored an incredible goal-line beauty, sending Portland into the MLS Cup.
FC Dallas attempted to rally after conceding to Adi, scoring back-to-back goals to bring the series within one goal at 4-3 on aggregate. But, Melano's goal ended any hopes of a comeback.
With the draw, the Timbers lift the Western Conference Championship trophy and will travel away for the MLS Cup against the winner of the Columbus Crew - New York Red Bulls series, which will be decided later in the evening.
The Timbers are the first Cascadia team to reach the MLS Cup.
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