Timbers Draw 1-1 with LAFC, Earn 3rd Seed and will Host FC Dallas in West Playoff Bracket

Photo by Katharine Lotze/Getty Images

The Portland Timbers went into Decision Day in the MLS with a number of possibilities on the table, including a scenario in which they could finish as the top seed in the West. In order for that to happen, they would need a loss by Sporting Kansas City in addition to a victory of their own Sunday evening against LAFC.

The first goal came quickly in the 5th minute, when LAFC’s Carlos Vela connected on a left-footed shot from the center of the box to give LAFC a 1-0 lead.

Things you love to see: @11carlosV scoring goals at the Banc. #LAFCvPOR 1-0 pic.twitter.com/7iyLGjX6Yz

— LAFC (@LAFC) November 8, 2020

Although both clubs lead the MLS in scoring all season, neither team surrendered goal during the remainder of the first half. LAFC took a 1-0 lead into halftime, and the Timbers were in a position where they have never been able to come back from all season. Portland was 0-3-1 this season when trailing at halftime.

Portland had a few opportunities to equalize in the second half, including one in the 79th minute where Diego Veleri nearly put it past LAFC keeper Kenneth Vermeer.

Searching for that equalizer.#LAFCvPOR | #RCTID pic.twitter.com/WQSAFLC5QA

— Portland Timbers (@TimbersFC) November 9, 2020

Portland kept pushing and attacking, and it paid off for them in the 90th minute when Jorge Villafaña headed in a ball from the center of the box to equalize 1-1.

That’s what you call a perfect counter-attack.#LAFCvPOR | #RCTID pic.twitter.com/3qimsbSNo0

— Portland Timbers (@TimbersFC) November 9, 2020

The Timbers would hold on for the 1-1 draw, which resulted in them earning the 3rd seed in the West for the upcoming MLS Playoffs. Their seeding has drawn a home match with 6th seeded FC Dallas.