Timbers scored first thanks to Larrys Mabiala’s header in 27th minute after a beautiful free-kick from Diego Valeri.

Orlando got back into the game in 39th when Nani provided an assist for Mauricio Pereyra.

In the second half, experienced Portland team pressured Orlando and finally managed to get ahead again in 66th. Defender Dario Zuparic used a confusion in the six-yard box to place the ball in the back of the net for 2-1, which ultimately ended up being the final score of the game.

“For us this is going to be a great memory,” said Timbers coach Giovanni Savarese after the game. “It’s special, it’s unique and we’re able to lift this trophy that gives us the possibility to compete outside the United States. It’s a special feeling. Who knows if there will be another tournament like this, but we’re proud to give another trophy to Portland.”

By winning the MLS is Back Tournament, Timbers secured themselves a spot in the next year’s CONCACAF Champions League. The team also received a $300,000 in prize money.

Following the end of the tournament, the teams will now resume the 2020 MLS season in local markets.

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While Philadelphia may have retained 62% of the ball possession, the game was evenly-matched throughout, with both teams performing well at the back. In fact, it took two set pieces for Portland to find the back of the net.

Portland’s first goal came in the 13th minute, when Jeremy Ebobisse’s headered home a well-placed corner kick, getting the better of Philadelphia keeper Blake with a well-timed bounce.

After a few non-threatening shots from both sides, Philadelphia were awarded a penalty during the first half stoppage time. Unfortunately for them, striker Sergio Santos rocketed the ball well over the bar – an error that proved to be fatal.

Throughout the second half, Portland managed to launch several effective counter-attacks, with Niezgoda, Valeri, and Polo all taking shots on goal. Ultimately, Portland would extend their lead in the 70th minute through another corner kick, with Sebastian Blanco scoring this time around.

While Portland may have seemed to be in the clear, the final ten minutes of the game proved nail-biting as Philadelphia pulled a goal back in the 85th minute. Mere moments later, it seemed as if Philadelphia had pulled off an unlikely comeback by scoring yet again. Unfortunately for them, the goal was ruled offside, meaning that Portland had successfully held on for the victory.

The second semi final takes place tonight, with Orlando City and Minnesota United battling it out for the other spot in the final.

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Orlando, who was one of the most pleasant surprises of the tournament, opened the match with more composure than their opponents, and this paid off towards the end of the first half. Portuguese star Nani first scored in 36th minute following a long pass from defender Robin Jansson and then sneaked in a beautiful curler from top of the penalty box in 42nd minute.

Despite being caught off guard, Minnesota continued to attack, trying to find their way back into the game. They received a life-line in 83rd minute thanks to Mason Toye, and then had another huge opportunity to tie the game just moments later.

Still, Orlando held their ground and whether through United’s attack before forward Benji Michel sealed the game with a goal for 3-1 in stoppage time.

“It was very satisfying for us because we worked the whole week just working as a team, making sure all the pieces were put together,” said Michel after the game. “For us to be able to get the win was very, very good for us.”

Orlando City and Portland Timbers are set to play for MLS is Back Tournament title on August 11th.

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Despite only controlling 38% of possession on the night, Minnesota proved clinical upfront, getting a 20th minute lead against the San Jose Earthquakes by way of a Robin Lod header. With San Jose clearly disgruntled after conceding, Minessota doubled their lead one minute later, with Jacori Hayes scoring from a rebounded shot.

While San Jose pulled one back from the penalty spot on the 50-minute mark, their revival was short-lived as Luis Amarilla scored Minnesota’s third just six minutes later. The responsibility then fell to Marlon Hairston to put San Jose out of their misery, by scoring a fourth in the 86th minute.

Portland’s game against NYC FC followed a similar tale, with the winning side making the most of their opportunities despite seeing less of the ball. While Jesus Medina put New York City in the lead with a 27th-minute penalty, the momentum swung strongly in Portland’s favor for the remainder of the clash.

Sebastian Blanco leveled in the 43rd minute, while second-half goals from Diego Valeri and Andy Polo put the game out of NYC’s reach. Portland is set to face Philadelphia in their semi-final clash, while Minnesota comes up against Orlando City.

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Columbus Crew were dumped out in what was a shock loss to underdogs Minnesota United. While Columbus dictated the game from the start, Minnesota shocked the dominant side as Robin Lod scored the opening goal after 18 minutes of play. After nearly a dozen shots, Columbus were finally able to level the scoreline in the 79th minute when Gyasi Zardes slotted the ball into the back of the net.

Unfortunately, neither team was able to find the back of the net in extra time, resulting in the game going to penalties. After Columbus missed just one penalty, Minnesota’s Chase Gasper scored the sixth goal in order to catapult his side into the quarter-finals. While Columbus dominated proceedings during the group stages, Minnesota came runners up in what was a competitive Group C.

Group E runners up FC Cincinnati came up against Group D winners Portland Timber in their fixture. While the dominant Portland took 19 shots in total, the match favorite was only able to find the back of the net in the 67th minute. In the 81st minute, a foul from inside the box handed Cincinnati a penalty, that Jurgen Locadia happily converted. Like their local rivals Columbus, Cincinnati also exited the tournament in a heartbreaking fashion, losing 5-3 on penalties to the Oregon-based side.

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Orlando City came up against group B’s third-placed team Montreal Impact, who they narrowly defeated 1-0. Despite the close scoreline, Orlando remained in the driver’s seat for much of the contest taking 12 shots in comparison to Montreal’s four.

After putting constant pressure on Montreal’s backline, Orlando found the back of the net in the 60th minute, courtesy of a Tesho Akindele strike.

As for Philadelphia Union, they defeated Group B runners up New England Revolution. Against all odds, Philadelphia found themselves on the back foot for much of the match, with New England managing to take a massive 19 shots on goal. Ultimately, the Philadelphia defense held strong, with Sergio Santos getting the breakthrough for his side on the opposing side of the field in the 63rd minute.

Tomorrow night will see Group B winners Toronto FC take on third-placed Group A team New York City FC. The night’s other clash sees Group C winners Sporting Kansas face off with Group F’s third-placed side Vancouver Whitecaps, who enjoyed a 2-0 win over Chicago fire just three days ago.

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Cincinnati started the day in third place on the Group E standings, while the Red Bulls were sitting in second place thanks to a superior goal difference. This meant that a win was crucial in order for Cincinnati to progress in the competition.

While some third-placed teams will earn a place in the knockout stages, NY Red Bulls will not be one of those teams due to their goal difference of minus three.

The game featured plenty of action, with New York Red Bulls taking a massive 19 shots. The team from the Big Apple remained in the drivers’ seat for much of the match, retaining a whopping 68% possession throughout the 90 minutes.

Despite their dominance, it wasn’t meant to be for the Red Bulls as they failed to find the back of the net. On the other hand, Cincinnati made the most out of the few chances they had, scoring two goals after managing just four goal attempts all night.

Yuya Kubo grabbed a 42nd minute lead for the underdogs, after which their lead was doubled in the 56th minute thanks to an own goal by Florian Valot.

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LAFC’s head coach Bob Bradley told reporters on Tuesday that Diomande suffered a foot injury and had to leave the Orlando bubble. The 30-year-old player returned to Los Angeles, where he’ll undergo further tests.

Diomande suffered the injury during LAFC’s tournament opener against Houston Dynamo early last week and was then forced to miss the El Trafico win against LA Galaxy. It remains unclear how long he will be out of action. 

“Dio came off in the first game, we were concerned with his right foot again,” said Bradley. “There were some scans, we felt that he still needed to get further imaging, and so he has left the bubble, headed back to Los Angeles where he can get the scans and where we can get a better idea of what is continuing to bother him with his right foot.”

Adama Diomande had a solid 2019 season, scoring eight goals and dishing nine assists last year. He joined the organization back in 2018 after previously playing with Lyn, Dinamo Minsk, and Hull City, among other clubs.

Now without both Vela and Diomande, LAFC is expected to turn to Diego Rossi and Bradley Wright-Phillips up front. The duo already showed they can respond to the call, with Rossi scoring four goals against Galaxy and Wright-Phillips adding one.

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Both sides had a lot at stake in this clash. While LAFC were eager to leapfrog Houston Dynamo to second place, LA Galaxy were looking to get their first points on the board following an unexpected 2-1 loss to Portland Timbers.

The game got off to a dramatic start, with Latif Blessing directing the ball into his own net after five minutes to hand LA Galaxy the early lead. 13 minutes into the game, Galaxy’s Perry Kitchen brought down Bradley Wright-Phillips to hand LAFC a penalty, which Diego Rossi converted.

Yet another penalty was awarded in the 31st minute; this time to LA Galaxy, with Pavon restoring Galaxy’s lead. On the stroke of half time, Diego Rossi scored yet again, bringing the scores level before the break.

The second half saw a colossal swing in momentum, with LAFC hitting the ground running. Wright-Phillips gave LAFC their first lead in the 56th minute, while Diego Rossi earned his hat trick on the 75th-minute mark. Mohammed El-Munir and Rossi scored yet again to hand LAFC the resounding 6-2 victory.

LAFC now find themselves just two points adrift of Portland Timbers, who they are set to play on Friday 24th.

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The game got off to an eventful start, with Ali Adnan putting Vancouver in the lead after seven minutes. In the 22nd minute, things went from bad to worse for San Jose, as a Judson own goal doubled the Canadian side’s lead.

On the stroke of half time, San Jose were able to put their troubles upfront to bed, as Andy Rios pulled one back to score San Jose’s first goal of the tournament. Unfortunately,the celebrations were cut short for the West Coast side, as Vancouver recovered their two-goal lead through Cristian Dajome in the 59th minute.

While it seemed as if Vancouver had wrapped up the victory, a resolute San Jose kept knocking at the door until Chris Wondolowski pulled one back in the 72nd minute. Astonishingly, Oswaldo Alanís scored against the run of play to draw San Jose level, before Cristian Dajome gave San Jose the most dramatic of victories, scoring with a left-footed shot in the 98th minute of play.

San Jose are set to face Chicago Fire on Monday in a game that will determine the group winner.

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Timbers scored first thanks to Larrys Mabiala’s header in 27th minute after a beautiful free-kick from Diego Valeri.

Orlando got back into the game in 39th when Nani provided an assist for Mauricio Pereyra.

In the second half, experienced Portland team pressured Orlando and finally managed to get ahead again in 66th. Defender Dario Zuparic used a confusion in the six-yard box to place the ball in the back of the net for 2-1, which ultimately ended up being the final score of the game.

“For us this is going to be a great memory,” said Timbers coach Giovanni Savarese after the game. “It’s special, it’s unique and we’re able to lift this trophy that gives us the possibility to compete outside the United States. It’s a special feeling. Who knows if there will be another tournament like this, but we’re proud to give another trophy to Portland.”

By winning the MLS is Back Tournament, Timbers secured themselves a spot in the next year’s CONCACAF Champions League. The team also received a $300,000 in prize money.

Following the end of the tournament, the teams will now resume the 2020 MLS season in local markets.

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While Philadelphia may have retained 62% of the ball possession, the game was evenly-matched throughout, with both teams performing well at the back. In fact, it took two set pieces for Portland to find the back of the net.

Portland’s first goal came in the 13th minute, when Jeremy Ebobisse’s headered home a well-placed corner kick, getting the better of Philadelphia keeper Blake with a well-timed bounce.

After a few non-threatening shots from both sides, Philadelphia were awarded a penalty during the first half stoppage time. Unfortunately for them, striker Sergio Santos rocketed the ball well over the bar – an error that proved to be fatal.

Throughout the second half, Portland managed to launch several effective counter-attacks, with Niezgoda, Valeri, and Polo all taking shots on goal. Ultimately, Portland would extend their lead in the 70th minute through another corner kick, with Sebastian Blanco scoring this time around.

While Portland may have seemed to be in the clear, the final ten minutes of the game proved nail-biting as Philadelphia pulled a goal back in the 85th minute. Mere moments later, it seemed as if Philadelphia had pulled off an unlikely comeback by scoring yet again. Unfortunately for them, the goal was ruled offside, meaning that Portland had successfully held on for the victory.

The second semi final takes place tonight, with Orlando City and Minnesota United battling it out for the other spot in the final.

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Orlando, who was one of the most pleasant surprises of the tournament, opened the match with more composure than their opponents, and this paid off towards the end of the first half. Portuguese star Nani first scored in 36th minute following a long pass from defender Robin Jansson and then sneaked in a beautiful curler from top of the penalty box in 42nd minute.

Despite being caught off guard, Minnesota continued to attack, trying to find their way back into the game. They received a life-line in 83rd minute thanks to Mason Toye, and then had another huge opportunity to tie the game just moments later.

Still, Orlando held their ground and whether through United’s attack before forward Benji Michel sealed the game with a goal for 3-1 in stoppage time.

“It was very satisfying for us because we worked the whole week just working as a team, making sure all the pieces were put together,” said Michel after the game. “For us to be able to get the win was very, very good for us.”

Orlando City and Portland Timbers are set to play for MLS is Back Tournament title on August 11th.

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Despite only controlling 38% of possession on the night, Minnesota proved clinical upfront, getting a 20th minute lead against the San Jose Earthquakes by way of a Robin Lod header. With San Jose clearly disgruntled after conceding, Minessota doubled their lead one minute later, with Jacori Hayes scoring from a rebounded shot.

While San Jose pulled one back from the penalty spot on the 50-minute mark, their revival was short-lived as Luis Amarilla scored Minnesota’s third just six minutes later. The responsibility then fell to Marlon Hairston to put San Jose out of their misery, by scoring a fourth in the 86th minute.

Portland’s game against NYC FC followed a similar tale, with the winning side making the most of their opportunities despite seeing less of the ball. While Jesus Medina put New York City in the lead with a 27th-minute penalty, the momentum swung strongly in Portland’s favor for the remainder of the clash.

Sebastian Blanco leveled in the 43rd minute, while second-half goals from Diego Valeri and Andy Polo put the game out of NYC’s reach. Portland is set to face Philadelphia in their semi-final clash, while Minnesota comes up against Orlando City.

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Columbus Crew were dumped out in what was a shock loss to underdogs Minnesota United. While Columbus dictated the game from the start, Minnesota shocked the dominant side as Robin Lod scored the opening goal after 18 minutes of play. After nearly a dozen shots, Columbus were finally able to level the scoreline in the 79th minute when Gyasi Zardes slotted the ball into the back of the net.

Unfortunately, neither team was able to find the back of the net in extra time, resulting in the game going to penalties. After Columbus missed just one penalty, Minnesota’s Chase Gasper scored the sixth goal in order to catapult his side into the quarter-finals. While Columbus dominated proceedings during the group stages, Minnesota came runners up in what was a competitive Group C.

Group E runners up FC Cincinnati came up against Group D winners Portland Timber in their fixture. While the dominant Portland took 19 shots in total, the match favorite was only able to find the back of the net in the 67th minute. In the 81st minute, a foul from inside the box handed Cincinnati a penalty, that Jurgen Locadia happily converted. Like their local rivals Columbus, Cincinnati also exited the tournament in a heartbreaking fashion, losing 5-3 on penalties to the Oregon-based side.

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Orlando City came up against group B’s third-placed team Montreal Impact, who they narrowly defeated 1-0. Despite the close scoreline, Orlando remained in the driver’s seat for much of the contest taking 12 shots in comparison to Montreal’s four.

After putting constant pressure on Montreal’s backline, Orlando found the back of the net in the 60th minute, courtesy of a Tesho Akindele strike.

As for Philadelphia Union, they defeated Group B runners up New England Revolution. Against all odds, Philadelphia found themselves on the back foot for much of the match, with New England managing to take a massive 19 shots on goal. Ultimately, the Philadelphia defense held strong, with Sergio Santos getting the breakthrough for his side on the opposing side of the field in the 63rd minute.

Tomorrow night will see Group B winners Toronto FC take on third-placed Group A team New York City FC. The night’s other clash sees Group C winners Sporting Kansas face off with Group F’s third-placed side Vancouver Whitecaps, who enjoyed a 2-0 win over Chicago fire just three days ago.

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Cincinnati started the day in third place on the Group E standings, while the Red Bulls were sitting in second place thanks to a superior goal difference. This meant that a win was crucial in order for Cincinnati to progress in the competition.

While some third-placed teams will earn a place in the knockout stages, NY Red Bulls will not be one of those teams due to their goal difference of minus three.

The game featured plenty of action, with New York Red Bulls taking a massive 19 shots. The team from the Big Apple remained in the drivers’ seat for much of the match, retaining a whopping 68% possession throughout the 90 minutes.

Despite their dominance, it wasn’t meant to be for the Red Bulls as they failed to find the back of the net. On the other hand, Cincinnati made the most out of the few chances they had, scoring two goals after managing just four goal attempts all night.

Yuya Kubo grabbed a 42nd minute lead for the underdogs, after which their lead was doubled in the 56th minute thanks to an own goal by Florian Valot.

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LAFC’s head coach Bob Bradley told reporters on Tuesday that Diomande suffered a foot injury and had to leave the Orlando bubble. The 30-year-old player returned to Los Angeles, where he’ll undergo further tests.

Diomande suffered the injury during LAFC’s tournament opener against Houston Dynamo early last week and was then forced to miss the El Trafico win against LA Galaxy. It remains unclear how long he will be out of action. 

“Dio came off in the first game, we were concerned with his right foot again,” said Bradley. “There were some scans, we felt that he still needed to get further imaging, and so he has left the bubble, headed back to Los Angeles where he can get the scans and where we can get a better idea of what is continuing to bother him with his right foot.”

Adama Diomande had a solid 2019 season, scoring eight goals and dishing nine assists last year. He joined the organization back in 2018 after previously playing with Lyn, Dinamo Minsk, and Hull City, among other clubs.

Now without both Vela and Diomande, LAFC is expected to turn to Diego Rossi and Bradley Wright-Phillips up front. The duo already showed they can respond to the call, with Rossi scoring four goals against Galaxy and Wright-Phillips adding one.

The post LAFC’s Adama Diomande Leaves MLS is Back Tournament With Foot Injury appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

Both sides had a lot at stake in this clash. While LAFC were eager to leapfrog Houston Dynamo to second place, LA Galaxy were looking to get their first points on the board following an unexpected 2-1 loss to Portland Timbers.

The game got off to a dramatic start, with Latif Blessing directing the ball into his own net after five minutes to hand LA Galaxy the early lead. 13 minutes into the game, Galaxy’s Perry Kitchen brought down Bradley Wright-Phillips to hand LAFC a penalty, which Diego Rossi converted.

Yet another penalty was awarded in the 31st minute; this time to LA Galaxy, with Pavon restoring Galaxy’s lead. On the stroke of half time, Diego Rossi scored yet again, bringing the scores level before the break.

The second half saw a colossal swing in momentum, with LAFC hitting the ground running. Wright-Phillips gave LAFC their first lead in the 56th minute, while Diego Rossi earned his hat trick on the 75th-minute mark. Mohammed El-Munir and Rossi scored yet again to hand LAFC the resounding 6-2 victory.

LAFC now find themselves just two points adrift of Portland Timbers, who they are set to play on Friday 24th.

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The game got off to an eventful start, with Ali Adnan putting Vancouver in the lead after seven minutes. In the 22nd minute, things went from bad to worse for San Jose, as a Judson own goal doubled the Canadian side’s lead.

On the stroke of half time, San Jose were able to put their troubles upfront to bed, as Andy Rios pulled one back to score San Jose’s first goal of the tournament. Unfortunately,the celebrations were cut short for the West Coast side, as Vancouver recovered their two-goal lead through Cristian Dajome in the 59th minute.

While it seemed as if Vancouver had wrapped up the victory, a resolute San Jose kept knocking at the door until Chris Wondolowski pulled one back in the 72nd minute. Astonishingly, Oswaldo Alanís scored against the run of play to draw San Jose level, before Cristian Dajome gave San Jose the most dramatic of victories, scoring with a left-footed shot in the 98th minute of play.

San Jose are set to face Chicago Fire on Monday in a game that will determine the group winner.

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