Timbers clinch playoff spot with 5-2 smashing of LA Galaxy

Portland, Ore. – The Portland Timbers crushed LA Galaxy on Wednesday night 5-2, led by an early brace from striker Jaro Niezgoda, clinching a playoff spot in the Western Conference.

It is the fourth straight season Portland is playoff-bound.

Niezgoda paced the home side with two goals in the first 19 minutes of the match to stake Portland to an early 2-0 lead.

 

Diego Valeri added a penalty kick goal to make it 3-0 at halftime, but LA Galaxy pulled one back in the 46th minute to make it 3-1.

Eryk Williamson added a fourth for the home side in the 60th minute.

Andy Polo stole the show moments later in the 74th minute to officially put on the route.

The win clinches a playoff spot for the Timbers for a fourth straight season, putting them at 35 points through 20 matches played, tied with Seattle Sounders and just one point shy of Sporting Kansas City for the top spot in the Western Conference.

The Timbers have three regular season matches remaining, with their next match coming Sunday vs Vancouver.  Pregame at 6pm, kickoff at 7pm on 750 The Game and 750TheGame.com.

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