The Portland Timbers entered Sunday's match against D.C. United with one goal on their mind, clinch up an Audi 2017 MLS Cup Playoff berth. Caleb Porter's team accomplished just that with a rollicking 3-0 win against the last-place East side.
Diego Valeri started the scoring in first half stoppage time, after a Chris Korb backpass ended with Steve Clark tackling Darren Mattocks in the box. Valeri scored his 21st of the season, coolly slotting the penalty past Clark.
Alvas Powell and Sebastian Blanco added security in the second half with three combined top-shelf goals.
Goals
- 48' - POR - Diego Valeri (PK) Watch
- 50' - POR - Alvas Powell Watch
- 60' - POR - Sebastian Blanco Watch
- 86' - POR - Sebastian Blanco Watch
Three Things
- TIMBERS BACK: After disappointingly missing the playoffs in 2016, the Timbers return to the postseason in 2017. They will look to become the sixth club to win two MLS Cups.
- VALERI MAKES CASE: On a day where Nemanja Nikolic all but locked up the Golden Boot, Valeri continued to make his case for the Landon Donovan MVP. The Argentine scored his 21st goal of the season with his first half penalty kick, moving one ahead of New York City FC’s David Villa and added two assists to become only the second player with 20 goals and 10 assists in a season (21 G, 11 A).
- POWELL PROVES DANGEROUS: Powell hasn’t started a match in two months but he made his presence known against D.C. United. The Jamaican scored his second goal of the season and was extremely dangerous up-and-down the right flank. With this performance, he looks to aiming to return to the starting lineup ahead of Zarek Valentin.
Next Up
- POR: Sunday, Oct. 22 vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC (4 pm ET; MLS LIVE)
- DC: Sunday, Oct. 22 vs. New York Red Bulls (4 pm ET; MLS LIVE)
