Portland Timbers Go Up 1-0 In Semi-Final Match Against Sounders

PORTLAND, OR – It was 16 minutes into Sunday's game between the Portland Timbers and the Seattle Sounders. The Timbers wanted to make clear that they didn't really care that Seattle has gone 12-0-0 in MLS playoff games when they are first on the scoreboard.

Jeremy Ebobisse outmaneuvered Sounder goalie Stfean Frei and tied the game.

Thirteen minutes later Sebastian Blanco gave the Timbers the go-ahead.

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From that point on, the question was would the Timbers be able to hold on and take a 1-0 lead in their semi-final match against Seattle.

They did.

The two teams play again in Seattle on Thursday and Portland will be working to hold on to that one-goal differential and make it to the final..

"Playing Seattle at home, in the playoffs is a big game for us," Timbers defender Bill Tuiloma said. "It felt great. It was a big win for the team. We get to go up to Seattle and do it again."

Blanco said while he was happy with the goal, the victory was a team effort.

"I feel very happy," he said. "Bbut it was the team’s spirit that helped us achieve the victory. Today we played a derby at home, in front of our people and that pushes you to overcome adversity."

The Timbers say that Diego Valeri, who had his sixth career MLS Cup Playoff assist, is tied with Graham Zusi of Sporting Kansas City with the most post-season assists among active players.

Photo via Portland Timbers.