Football: Portland beat Orlando 2-1 to lift the MLS is Back trophy

Portland Timbers lifted the MLS is Back trophy after beating hosts Orlando City 2-1 in Orlando, Florida on Tuesday. Former Argentine international Diego Valeri delivered a perfectly placed free kick into the box that Larrys Mabiala headed past goal keeper Pedro Gallese in the 27th minute. Minutes later, Orlando equalised. Former Manchester United winger Nani worked the ball down the left side following a turnover and created enough room to cross into the box. Mauricio Pereyra got a foot on the ball and then slammed home from close range to tie the match. Portland struck the winning goal when Dario Zuparic deflected a short pass into the back of the net past a hapless Gallese to make it 2-1 at that stage. The Timbers, who spent 39 days in the MLS bubble and remained on West Coast time, held on to win and celebated the success as they hugged and danced after the final whistle. It ended a wild month for the MLS, which managed to play 51 matches in 45 days at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports complex at Disney World. Portland will get $328,000 in prize money to split. The Timbers also earned a berth in the CONCACAF Champions League, their first since 2016.