Extratime

MLS is Back Tournament Final predictions by the Extratime crew

The MLS is Back Tournament Final presented by Wells Fargo is here and the Portland Timbers and Orlando City SC will battle it out Tuesday (8:30 pm ET | ESPN, ESPN Deportes in US; TSN, TVAS2 in Canada) for a trophy and prize money, as well as a coveted Concacaf Champions League berth.


As arguably the most consistent teams in the competition, an argument can be made for both teams winning the title.


So, who you got?


That’s the question posed to the Extratime driven by Continental crew and there were no shortage of opinions.


David Gass: Orlando City SC


“Orlando has different ways to control the game. They can also sit back if they have to. They’re playing at this high level. They’ve done it even without Junior Urso for a ton of games. To me, everything is pointing toward Orlando except for the fact Sebastian Blanco is probably the best player on the field so I’m going to go with the Lions."


Charlie Davies: Portland Timbers


“I’m going to go Portland and I think it’s a really close one — 2-1, maybe 1-nil — but I think Portland win in this one because of Sebastian Blanco. He’s had a goal or assist in every single game of this tournament — he’s the only player [to do so]. He’s the MVP, easy, although if Orlando won, it would be Nani.”


Andrew Wiebe: Portland Timbers


“I just think in a final Portland has more potential match-winners in my opinion than does Orlando City. There’s just more guys who can hurt them and they also have the history of success on their side. I do think in these moments, despite it being Bizarro World pandemic tournament, that does tend to matter and those players do come out.”


Matt Doyle: Portland Timbers


“I think Orlando have played the best soccer in this tournament. I think Portland have more weapons, Portland’s gonna win. They’re also slightly more dangerous on attacking set pieces as well. It’s just one more little check that you want to put in that box for the Timbers.”