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| Portland Timbers beat Columbus Crew to win MLS Cup – as it happened | Portland Timbers beat Columbus Crew to win MLS Cup – as it happened |
| (17 days later) | |
| 6.33pm ET23:33 | |
| And Merritt Paulson lifts the trophy. Well, we’re going to wrap this blog up now. Great game, lots of drama, and try to catch the highlights if you can – there’s plenty to see. | And Merritt Paulson lifts the trophy. Well, we’re going to wrap this blog up now. Great game, lots of drama, and try to catch the highlights if you can – there’s plenty to see. |
| Thanks so much for reading. See you later. And you can read Graham Parker’s match report here: | Thanks so much for reading. See you later. And you can read Graham Parker’s match report here: |
| Related: Columbus Crew 1-2 Portland Timbers | MLS Cup match report | Related: Columbus Crew 1-2 Portland Timbers | MLS Cup match report |
| Updated at 7.00pm ET | |
| 6.30pm ET23:30 | |
| Portland celebrate: | Portland celebrate: |
| 6.27pm ET23:27 | |
| Alejandro Moreno makes a good point: half-time came at the wrong time for the Crew. Their momentum was stopped, and Portland regrouped and gave a classy second-half display. Valeri, Nagbe, Ridgewell and Wallace stood out for the Timbers, but it was a team effort: they limited Columbus to very few real chances. | Alejandro Moreno makes a good point: half-time came at the wrong time for the Crew. Their momentum was stopped, and Portland regrouped and gave a classy second-half display. Valeri, Nagbe, Ridgewell and Wallace stood out for the Timbers, but it was a team effort: they limited Columbus to very few real chances. |
| 6.24pm ET23:24 | |
| Diego Valeri is the MLS Cup MVP of 2015. He was excellent today: his skills, passing and crossing – plus his early goal – made the difference. | Diego Valeri is the MLS Cup MVP of 2015. He was excellent today: his skills, passing and crossing – plus his early goal – made the difference. |
| 6.23pm ET23:23 | |
| Kamara and the Crew players look dejected, but they didn’t play as well as they can today. Maybe they never really recovered from that nightmare start, although they played well in the first half and got back into it. The second 45, though, was disappointing: Portland were much better. | Kamara and the Crew players look dejected, but they didn’t play as well as they can today. Maybe they never really recovered from that nightmare start, although they played well in the first half and got back into it. The second 45, though, was disappointing: Portland were much better. |
| 6.21pm ET23:21 | |
| Portland are celebrating on the pitch, and why not: it’s their first ever MLS championship, and richly deserved. They had a great postseason, went on a nine-game winning streak, and were the better team today. Well done to the Timbers. | Portland are celebrating on the pitch, and why not: it’s their first ever MLS championship, and richly deserved. They had a great postseason, went on a nine-game winning streak, and were the better team today. Well done to the Timbers. |
| 6.19pm ET23:19 | |
| Full-time: Columbus Crew 1-2 Portland Timbers | Full-time: Columbus Crew 1-2 Portland Timbers |
| Portland win their first MLS Cup! | Portland win their first MLS Cup! |
| 6.18pm ET23:18 | |
| 90 min +5: Trapp is fouled in the centre circle, and it’s one last chance for Columbus. Get it in the box! They do, but no one got a touch, and it’s through for a goal kick. That must be it now. | 90 min +5: Trapp is fouled in the centre circle, and it’s one last chance for Columbus. Get it in the box! They do, but no one got a touch, and it’s through for a goal kick. That must be it now. |
| 6.17pm ET23:17 | |
| 90 min +4: Now Portland make their final change, and Jack Jewsbury replaces Rodney Wallace. The Costa Rican is seconds away from being the game-winner. | 90 min +4: Now Portland make their final change, and Jack Jewsbury replaces Rodney Wallace. The Costa Rican is seconds away from being the game-winner. |
| 6.16pm ET23:16 | |
| 90 min +3: Valeri is yellow-carded for time wasting. And one for Saeid too? Columbus have about 90 seconds. | 90 min +3: Valeri is yellow-carded for time wasting. And one for Saeid too? Columbus have about 90 seconds. |
| 6.15pm ET23:15 | |
| 90 min +2: Urruti does really well to chest it down and find Wallace in the left corner. This is good game management from Portland, and now they win a corner following nice work from Asprilla. | 90 min +2: Urruti does really well to chest it down and find Wallace in the left corner. This is good game management from Portland, and now they win a corner following nice work from Asprilla. |
| Updated at 6.15pm ET | |
| 6.14pm ET23:14 | |
| 90 min: Adi is replaced by Urruti. Four minutes of stoppage time. Can Columbus find something? | 90 min: Adi is replaced by Urruti. Four minutes of stoppage time. Can Columbus find something? |
| 6.13pm ET23:13 | |
| 89 min: Columbus have had plenty of the ball since the break, but they haven’t really created any clear opportunities. The final ball has been lacking. | 89 min: Columbus have had plenty of the ball since the break, but they haven’t really created any clear opportunities. The final ball has been lacking. |
| Adi is down, and Caleb Porter is going potty on the touchline about something or other. | Adi is down, and Caleb Porter is going potty on the touchline about something or other. |
| 6.11pm ET23:11 | |
| 88 min: Portland still have two substitutions to make, but Caleb Porter is happy for the time being. Asprilla and Powell do enough to take it off Cedrick’s toe, and again Portland are happy to crash it downfield. | 88 min: Portland still have two substitutions to make, but Caleb Porter is happy for the time being. Asprilla and Powell do enough to take it off Cedrick’s toe, and again Portland are happy to crash it downfield. |
| 6.10pm ET23:10 | |
| 87 min: Ridgewell, who has been excellent today, clears from Afful’s cross. Time running out for Columbus. | 87 min: Ridgewell, who has been excellent today, clears from Afful’s cross. Time running out for Columbus. |
| 6.09pm ET23:09 | |
| 86 min: Kwarasey is unconvincing with the punch, and Trapp has a go from range, but it’s blocked, and Portland hammer it clear. | 86 min: Kwarasey is unconvincing with the punch, and Trapp has a go from range, but it’s blocked, and Portland hammer it clear. |
| 6.09pm ET23:09 | |
| 85 min: It’s crazy to think that Portland haven’t scored in this second half. Three huge chances, and Columbus are still in this game. Kamara wins a corner for the Crew. | 85 min: It’s crazy to think that Portland haven’t scored in this second half. Three huge chances, and Columbus are still in this game. Kamara wins a corner for the Crew. |
| 6.07pm ET23:07 | |
| 83 min: Columbus fans are jostling Valeri as he goes over to take the corner, which is not cool. There were some bottles thrown earlier in the game, too. | 83 min: Columbus fans are jostling Valeri as he goes over to take the corner, which is not cool. There were some bottles thrown earlier in the game, too. |
| Columbus Crew fans pelt Portland Timbers players with beer bottles https://t.co/cP3lhK9vs6 pic.twitter.com/rDsyhZ3wcZ | Columbus Crew fans pelt Portland Timbers players with beer bottles https://t.co/cP3lhK9vs6 pic.twitter.com/rDsyhZ3wcZ |
| 6.06pm ET23:06 | |
| 82 min: Portland should have killed the game by now. That was great goalkeeping by Clark, but Borchers was two yards out, and he should have found the net. | 82 min: Portland should have killed the game by now. That was great goalkeeping by Clark, but Borchers was two yards out, and he should have found the net. |
| 6.05pm ET23:05 | |
| 81 min: After a slightly iffy first 10 minutes of the second half, Portland have been the better side after the break: they’ve defended stoutly, allowed Columbus few chances, and created things on the counter-attack. And what a save from Steve Clark! I thought it was 3-1: point-blank header from Nat Borchers from a brilliant Valeri cross, but Clark came up big. Fabulous save. | 81 min: After a slightly iffy first 10 minutes of the second half, Portland have been the better side after the break: they’ve defended stoutly, allowed Columbus few chances, and created things on the counter-attack. And what a save from Steve Clark! I thought it was 3-1: point-blank header from Nat Borchers from a brilliant Valeri cross, but Clark came up big. Fabulous save. |
| 6.02pm ET23:02 | |
| 78 min: Corner for the Crew, and Kamara pumps the crowd up. Can they find something here? Change for the hosts – Mohammed Saeid in for Meram – but the corner is well defended by Portland. | 78 min: Corner for the Crew, and Kamara pumps the crowd up. Can they find something here? Change for the hosts – Mohammed Saeid in for Meram – but the corner is well defended by Portland. |
| 6.01pm ET23:01 | |
| 77 min: Ooh, that was close for the Crew: lovely link-up down the right, and Higuain cushioned a pass and lobbed it over for McInerney – but the sub was inches from connecting. Had he managed to, that could have been 2-2: the Timbers defence was static. | 77 min: Ooh, that was close for the Crew: lovely link-up down the right, and Higuain cushioned a pass and lobbed it over for McInerney – but the sub was inches from connecting. Had he managed to, that could have been 2-2: the Timbers defence was static. |
| Updated at 6.01pm ET | |
| 5.59pm ET22:59 | |
| 76 min: Meram slips again – is he playing in tennis shoes? – but the Timbers can’t make it count on the break: they had a four v two there, but the passing was poor. The Timbers have had chances to put this game to bed. | 76 min: Meram slips again – is he playing in tennis shoes? – but the Timbers can’t make it count on the break: they had a four v two there, but the passing was poor. The Timbers have had chances to put this game to bed. |
| 5.58pm ET22:58 | |
| 74 min: Ooh, that was a chance for Nagbe following some nice combination play down the left, but his shot was high. Should have hit the target. | 74 min: Ooh, that was a chance for Nagbe following some nice combination play down the left, but his shot was high. Should have hit the target. |
| 5.57pm ET22:57 | |
| 73 min: Change for the Crew: Jack McInerney is on for Tony Tchani. | 73 min: Change for the Crew: Jack McInerney is on for Tony Tchani. |
| Taylor Twellman, who is great, incidentally, cannot believe that header from Adi stayed out, and channels his finest John McEnroe: “You cannot be serious! Huh?!” | Taylor Twellman, who is great, incidentally, cannot believe that header from Adi stayed out, and channels his finest John McEnroe: “You cannot be serious! Huh?!” |
| 5.55pm ET22:55 | |
| 71 min: Cedrick’s ball in from the left is terrible, and Portland attack swiftly … and Adi’s header is off the post! Inside of the post, back off the keeper Clark, and somehow it managed to stay out! Brilliant header from the Nigerian; so unlucky. Another massive slick of luck for the Crew! | 71 min: Cedrick’s ball in from the left is terrible, and Portland attack swiftly … and Adi’s header is off the post! Inside of the post, back off the keeper Clark, and somehow it managed to stay out! Brilliant header from the Nigerian; so unlucky. Another massive slick of luck for the Crew! |
| Updated at 5.55pm ET | |
| 5.52pm ET22:52 | |
| 69 min: Timbers corner, and Villafana will take. Ridgewell climbed at the back post, but a whistle went up for a push. And now Kamara is down hurt. He looks in pain. | 69 min: Timbers corner, and Villafana will take. Ridgewell climbed at the back post, but a whistle went up for a push. And now Kamara is down hurt. He looks in pain. |
| 5.51pm ET22:51 | |
| 67 min: It really is anyone’s game, this. Portland seem happy with what they have, but it’s a dangerous game to try to hold on to 2-1: Columbus have goals in them. | 67 min: It really is anyone’s game, this. Portland seem happy with what they have, but it’s a dangerous game to try to hold on to 2-1: Columbus have goals in them. |
| 5.49pm ET22:49 | |
| 65 min: Dreadful ball in from Higuain from a dangerous position. That was really poor for a player of his quality. | 65 min: Dreadful ball in from Higuain from a dangerous position. That was really poor for a player of his quality. |
| 5.48pm ET22:48 | |
| 64 min: Change for Columbus: Finlay, who hasn’t done much, unfortunately, is replaced by Cedrick. | 64 min: Change for Columbus: Finlay, who hasn’t done much, unfortunately, is replaced by Cedrick. |
| That should have been a penalty. After Kamara’s hack on the crossbar, it bounced down and clearly hit Pankhurst on the arm. Another missed call, although it was tough to see in real time. | That should have been a penalty. After Kamara’s hack on the crossbar, it bounced down and clearly hit Pankhurst on the arm. Another missed call, although it was tough to see in real time. |
| Updated at 5.53pm ET | |
| 5.47pm ET22:47 | |
| 62 min: Now it’s the Crew’s turn to attack, and they win a corner. It comes to nothing. | 62 min: Now it’s the Crew’s turn to attack, and they win a corner. It comes to nothing. |
| Just looking at that replay – it really was an amazing scramble. Parkhurst cleared off the line, but then Kamara, in an effort to clear, somehow diverted it on to the crossbar, and it came down, bounced flush on the line, and then seemed to hit Parkhurst on the arm. Did Columbus get away with one there? | Just looking at that replay – it really was an amazing scramble. Parkhurst cleared off the line, but then Kamara, in an effort to clear, somehow diverted it on to the crossbar, and it came down, bounced flush on the line, and then seemed to hit Parkhurst on the arm. Did Columbus get away with one there? |
| 5.44pm ET22:44 | |
| 60 min: Great block from Parkhurst to stop Adi. It’s a corner. And what a scramble! Oh my word. How did that not go in?! It was flicked on, turned towards goal, off the line, off the post, and the Crew managed to squirt it clear. An escape for the hosts. | 60 min: Great block from Parkhurst to stop Adi. It’s a corner. And what a scramble! Oh my word. How did that not go in?! It was flicked on, turned towards goal, off the line, off the post, and the Crew managed to squirt it clear. An escape for the hosts. |
| Updated at 5.44pm ET | |
| 5.43pm ET22:43 | |
| 59 min: Better from the Timbers: they’re not hunkered down in their own penalty area. And that change is made – Asprilla comes in from Melano, who has maybe been sub-par today, although he did create the second goal. | 59 min: Better from the Timbers: they’re not hunkered down in their own penalty area. And that change is made – Asprilla comes in from Melano, who has maybe been sub-par today, although he did create the second goal. |
| 5.41pm ET22:41 | |
| 57 min: Valeri’s been at the heart of Portland’s best work today. He was down a few minutes ago, rubbing his head, but he seems OK now. Portland win it back after Meram goes to ground yet again, prompting Taylor Twellman on commentary to say: “I’ve never seen Justin Meram on the ground as often as I have in this game.” | 57 min: Valeri’s been at the heart of Portland’s best work today. He was down a few minutes ago, rubbing his head, but he seems OK now. Portland win it back after Meram goes to ground yet again, prompting Taylor Twellman on commentary to say: “I’ve never seen Justin Meram on the ground as often as I have in this game.” |
| Shot from Melano: straight at Clark. | Shot from Melano: straight at Clark. |
| 5.39pm ET22:39 | |
| 55 min: I think that might be Melano’s last action. Dairon Asprilla looks ready to come on. | 55 min: I think that might be Melano’s last action. Dairon Asprilla looks ready to come on. |
| 5.38pm ET22:38 | |
| 53 min: Oh, what a chance for Melano! From nowhere, Portland sprang forward, and Melano found himself all alone in the box after reading Adi’s flick-on … but he scuffed his shot! That was a great chance, but his shot was horrible: he completely miskicked it. Big chance. | 53 min: Oh, what a chance for Melano! From nowhere, Portland sprang forward, and Melano found himself all alone in the box after reading Adi’s flick-on … but he scuffed his shot! That was a great chance, but his shot was horrible: he completely miskicked it. Big chance. |
| Updated at 5.38pm ET | |
| 5.35pm ET22:35 | |
| 52 min: Afful goes clear down the right again, but Villafana cuts out the cross. Powell has time, but just lumps it forward to no one. The Timbers are extremely deep here, and Adi can’t get on the ball. | 52 min: Afful goes clear down the right again, but Villafana cuts out the cross. Powell has time, but just lumps it forward to no one. The Timbers are extremely deep here, and Adi can’t get on the ball. |
| 5.33pm ET22:33 | |
| 50 min: Columbus have started very nicely in this second half, and Portland are deep in their own half. No clear chances, though. | 50 min: Columbus have started very nicely in this second half, and Portland are deep in their own half. No clear chances, though. |
| 5.32pm ET22:32 | |
| 48 min: Taken short by Higuain to Afful, who was all alone on the right-hand side, and his ball is high and hanging, but Kwarasey does well to hang on. Afful should have done better there: he had time and space to measure his cross. | 48 min: Taken short by Higuain to Afful, who was all alone on the right-hand side, and his ball is high and hanging, but Kwarasey does well to hang on. Afful should have done better there: he had time and space to measure his cross. |
| 5.31pm ET22:31 | |
| 47 min: Nice turn from Meram on the edge of the box, but Diego Chara is quickly in to win it. But Portland turn it over, concede the free kick, and now it’s a chance for Columbus. | 47 min: Nice turn from Meram on the edge of the box, but Diego Chara is quickly in to win it. But Portland turn it over, concede the free kick, and now it’s a chance for Columbus. |
| 5.29pm ET22:29 | |
| We're back | We're back |
| 46 min: No changes for the second half. The sun’s setting in Ohio – the players’ shadows are visible on the pitch now. | 46 min: No changes for the second half. The sun’s setting in Ohio – the players’ shadows are visible on the pitch now. |
| 5.17pm ET22:17 | |
| Here’s that Clark error: | Here’s that Clark error: |
| Here’s that awful error for the first Portland goal. (vine via @Ben_Jata) https://t.co/2NxYWZBjYh https://t.co/lTUXhgs0hl | Here’s that awful error for the first Portland goal. (vine via @Ben_Jata) https://t.co/2NxYWZBjYh https://t.co/lTUXhgs0hl |
| 5.16pm ET22:16 | |
| Crew coach Gregg Berhalter to ESPN: “We have a lot of faith in Steve, but it was an error, it was a mistake. We were in a hole early, but we gotta dig ourselves out. As we settled in, it got a little better.” | Crew coach Gregg Berhalter to ESPN: “We have a lot of faith in Steve, but it was an error, it was a mistake. We were in a hole early, but we gotta dig ourselves out. As we settled in, it got a little better.” |
| 5.16pm ET22:16 | |
| An intriguing first 45, but one riddled with errors: two big ones from each goalkeeper, and a bad one from the officials, who should have whistled for a throw-in in the build-up to Portland’s second goal. Columbus had a nightmare start as Portland began hot, but after Kamara’s goal, the hosts were the better side, and looked dangerous in possession. Half-time might have come at the right time for Portland. | An intriguing first 45, but one riddled with errors: two big ones from each goalkeeper, and a bad one from the officials, who should have whistled for a throw-in in the build-up to Portland’s second goal. Columbus had a nightmare start as Portland began hot, but after Kamara’s goal, the hosts were the better side, and looked dangerous in possession. Half-time might have come at the right time for Portland. |
| 5.12pm ET22:12 | |
| Half-time: Columbus Crew 1-2 Portland Timbers | Half-time: Columbus Crew 1-2 Portland Timbers |
| That’s the half. Phew! | That’s the half. Phew! |
| 5.11pm ET22:11 | |
| 45 min + 1: Afful’s ball in from the right is abject, and Kwarasey safely catches this one. | 45 min + 1: Afful’s ball in from the right is abject, and Kwarasey safely catches this one. |
| 5.11pm ET22:11 | |
| 45 min: Chance for Columbus to get the ball in the box now, but Higuain’s delivery is well defended by Adi. Only one minute of stoppage time to be added. | 45 min: Chance for Columbus to get the ball in the box now, but Higuain’s delivery is well defended by Adi. Only one minute of stoppage time to be added. |
| 5.10pm ET22:10 | |
| 44 min: Powell, who has been quiet as an attacker, goes down the right and wins a corner. Columbus have looked nervy at set pieces, but they safely whack it clear. | 44 min: Powell, who has been quiet as an attacker, goes down the right and wins a corner. Columbus have looked nervy at set pieces, but they safely whack it clear. |
| 5.07pm ET22:07 | |
| 41 min: Portland press Columbus high, and Valeri wins it cleanly, and the Timbers can break – but Valeri’s ball for Adi through the channel is just too strong. | 41 min: Portland press Columbus high, and Valeri wins it cleanly, and the Timbers can break – but Valeri’s ball for Adi through the channel is just too strong. |
| Now Adi finds space in the box after a lucky ricochet, and looks for the near corner with his left foot – but that’s a big save from Steve Clark! Tipped round the post – it was going in. Corner for the Timbers, but it’s too long for everyone. | Now Adi finds space in the box after a lucky ricochet, and looks for the near corner with his left foot – but that’s a big save from Steve Clark! Tipped round the post – it was going in. Corner for the Timbers, but it’s too long for everyone. |
| 5.04pm ET22:04 | |
| 39 min: Chance for a break for Portland here, but Columbus are quickly back into their defensive shape. It’s calmed down a little after that frantic start. | 39 min: Chance for a break for Portland here, but Columbus are quickly back into their defensive shape. It’s calmed down a little after that frantic start. |
| 5.02pm ET22:02 | |
| 36 min: This game has been absorbing, but error-strewn: I think nerves must have played a role. Both defences look vulnerable. | 36 min: This game has been absorbing, but error-strewn: I think nerves must have played a role. Both defences look vulnerable. |
| 5.01pm ET22:01 | |
| 35 min: First yellow of the game for a ridiculous, rugby-style tackle by Afful on Ridgewell as Portland looked to break. It probably wasn’t worthy of a red, but it was a ludicrous challenge, and certainly would offend the sensibilities of the soccer purist. | 35 min: First yellow of the game for a ridiculous, rugby-style tackle by Afful on Ridgewell as Portland looked to break. It probably wasn’t worthy of a red, but it was a ludicrous challenge, and certainly would offend the sensibilities of the soccer purist. |
| 4.59pm ET21:59 | |
| 33 min: Meram, the Iraq international, goes down again – and yet another no-call! Despite the scoreline, Crew are on top at the moment: | 33 min: Meram, the Iraq international, goes down again – and yet another no-call! Despite the scoreline, Crew are on top at the moment: |
| 30' #CrewSC has settled into this match. Half an hour in, the Black & Gold hold 58% possession. #MLSCup | 30' #CrewSC has settled into this match. Half an hour in, the Black & Gold hold 58% possession. #MLSCup |
| 4.58pm ET21:58 | |
| 32 min: Jair Marrufo, the ref, has looked to let the game flow, which is admirable, but a couple of late tackles haven’t been brought back – and Chara was really lucky to avoid a yellow for a cynical foul on Meram. | 32 min: Jair Marrufo, the ref, has looked to let the game flow, which is admirable, but a couple of late tackles haven’t been brought back – and Chara was really lucky to avoid a yellow for a cynical foul on Meram. |
| Adi has been quiet for Portland, incidentally. The Crew are definitely coming back strongly. | Adi has been quiet for Portland, incidentally. The Crew are definitely coming back strongly. |
| 4.54pm ET21:54 | |
| 29 min: Villafana and Wallace have combined really nicely down the left for Portland, but Tchani, tall and strong, is quickly over to win it back. | 29 min: Villafana and Wallace have combined really nicely down the left for Portland, but Tchani, tall and strong, is quickly over to win it back. |
| 4.53pm ET21:53 | |
| 28 min: Sloppy in possession from Nagbe, and Crew look to attack with Kamara: it’s laid back for Finlay to strike, but the bearded Borchers does very well to throw his body in front of it. Brave defending. | 28 min: Sloppy in possession from Nagbe, and Crew look to attack with Kamara: it’s laid back for Finlay to strike, but the bearded Borchers does very well to throw his body in front of it. Brave defending. |
| 4.51pm ET21:51 | |
| 26 min: That’s another slack pass from Trapp, and the Timbers stream forward: Villafana’s ball in is really well defended by Sauro, and the Crew break, before Justin Meram is hauled down by Chara. No yellow! How is that not a booking? | 26 min: That’s another slack pass from Trapp, and the Timbers stream forward: Villafana’s ball in is really well defended by Sauro, and the Crew break, before Justin Meram is hauled down by Chara. No yellow! How is that not a booking? |
| 4.50pm ET21:50 | |
| 24 min: Portland’s free kick in the centre circle. Ridgewell floats one in, and it falls to Valeri in the box, but his shot is tame, and straight at Clark. This game has a pleasing ebb and flow. | 24 min: Portland’s free kick in the centre circle. Ridgewell floats one in, and it falls to Valeri in the box, but his shot is tame, and straight at Clark. This game has a pleasing ebb and flow. |
| 4.48pm ET21:48 | |
| 23 min: More pressure from the Crew, and Afful’s ball in from the right finds Higuain free in the box – but the Argentinian can’t get his shot right, and it’s wide. | 23 min: More pressure from the Crew, and Afful’s ball in from the right finds Higuain free in the box – but the Argentinian can’t get his shot right, and it’s wide. |
| 4.47pm ET21:47 | |
| 21 min: Now Columbus have the bit between their teeth, but Trapp’s ball for Finlay is too strong. What a zany start this has been. | 21 min: Now Columbus have the bit between their teeth, but Trapp’s ball for Finlay is too strong. What a zany start this has been. |
| Updated at 4.47pm ET | |
| 4.46pm ET21:46 | |
| 19 min: Well, that’s another dreadful goalkeeping blunder. Afful hung a cross up, and it was on a platter for Adam Kwarasey, but he inexplicably muffed it. A melee ensued, and Kamara was quickly on to it, and did well to find the net through a crowd of bodies, but that was an ur-clanger from the Timbers goalie. It’s all happening! | 19 min: Well, that’s another dreadful goalkeeping blunder. Afful hung a cross up, and it was on a platter for Adam Kwarasey, but he inexplicably muffed it. A melee ensued, and Kamara was quickly on to it, and did well to find the net through a crowd of bodies, but that was an ur-clanger from the Timbers goalie. It’s all happening! |
| Updated at 5.27pm ET | |
| 4.43pm ET21:43 | |
| GOAL! Columbus 1-2 Portland (Kamara 18) | GOAL! Columbus 1-2 Portland (Kamara 18) |
| Kamara! We have a game again! | Kamara! We have a game again! |
| Goal Kei Kamara. 2-1. #MLSCup #CrewSC https://t.co/8UBcvtekhE | Goal Kei Kamara. 2-1. #MLSCup #CrewSC https://t.co/8UBcvtekhE |
| Updated at 5.11pm ET | |
| 4.43pm ET21:43 | |
| 15 min: Oh, that’s interesting: in the build-up to Portland’s second goal, the ball went out of play by about a foot, and Tchani stopped because he assumed the whistle would go. It didn’t. That’s a huge blunder from the officials, although the Crew, critically, didn’t play to the whistle. | 15 min: Oh, that’s interesting: in the build-up to Portland’s second goal, the ball went out of play by about a foot, and Tchani stopped because he assumed the whistle would go. It didn’t. That’s a huge blunder from the officials, although the Crew, critically, didn’t play to the whistle. |
| 4.41pm ET21:41 | |
| 13 min: The Crew have found their feet somewhat. But Portland are classy in possession, and that’s lovely skill from Valeri – unfortunately Wallace didn’t make the run he wanted, and the ball’s out for a throw. | 13 min: The Crew have found their feet somewhat. But Portland are classy in possession, and that’s lovely skill from Valeri – unfortunately Wallace didn’t make the run he wanted, and the ball’s out for a throw. |
| Updated at 4.41pm ET | |
| 4.38pm ET21:38 | |
| 11 min: Nice run from Meram, and that was a bump in the box from Nagbe. Penalty? No call, but that was dicey from the Timbers player. | 11 min: Nice run from Meram, and that was a bump in the box from Nagbe. Penalty? No call, but that was dicey from the Timbers player. |
| 4.37pm ET21:37 | |
| 10 min: Gregg Berhalter looks stunned. The Crew just haven’t started. | 10 min: Gregg Berhalter looks stunned. The Crew just haven’t started. |
| Stephen Marfleet won’t have won his bet today, unfortunately: “I’m going 3-1 Crew. More fire power and home advantage will be the difference. How many Timbers fans have made the journey, Tim?” | Stephen Marfleet won’t have won his bet today, unfortunately: “I’m going 3-1 Crew. More fire power and home advantage will be the difference. How many Timbers fans have made the journey, Tim?” |
| Apparently about 2,000. And Timber Joey is among them – but he won’t be able to bring his log and chainsaw into the stadium. | Apparently about 2,000. And Timber Joey is among them – but he won’t be able to bring his log and chainsaw into the stadium. |
| 4.35pm ET21:35 | |
| 9 min: Meram has a go from the edge of the box, and Villafana is quick to avert the danger after it was blocked. Corner to the Crew, but they can’t make it count, and Higuain is offside. | 9 min: Meram has a go from the edge of the box, and Villafana is quick to avert the danger after it was blocked. Corner to the Crew, but they can’t make it count, and Higuain is offside. |
| 4.34pm ET21:34 | |
| 8 min: This is a brilliant start from the Timbers. Nagbe advanced in midfield, found Melano free on the right-hand side, and Melano crossed beautifully for Wallace, arriving late, who headed accurately, low, past Clark. Columbus are in shock. What a final! | 8 min: This is a brilliant start from the Timbers. Nagbe advanced in midfield, found Melano free on the right-hand side, and Melano crossed beautifully for Wallace, arriving late, who headed accurately, low, past Clark. Columbus are in shock. What a final! |
| 4.33pm ET21:33 | |
| GOAL! Columbus 0-2 Portland (Wallace 7) | GOAL! Columbus 0-2 Portland (Wallace 7) |
| Boy oh boy. Wallace makes it two! | Boy oh boy. Wallace makes it two! |
| 4.32pm ET21:32 | |
| 4 min: Columbus need to settle, and that was an opportunity for them: Kamara streaked down the right, crossed well, and it fell for Higuain eight yards out in space – but his touch let him down! A let-off for Portland: the marking was flimsy. | 4 min: Columbus need to settle, and that was an opportunity for them: Kamara streaked down the right, crossed well, and it fell for Higuain eight yards out in space – but his touch let him down! A let-off for Portland: the marking was flimsy. |
| 4.30pm ET21:30 | |
| 2 min: What an incredible start to the game. Was it nerves? It was a bad touch from Clark – he was deep inside his box, and it would have been judicious to just whack it – but credit to Valeri: he saw an opportunity, and pounced. A goal inside 27 seconds. Amazing! | 2 min: What an incredible start to the game. Was it nerves? It was a bad touch from Clark – he was deep inside his box, and it would have been judicious to just whack it – but credit to Valeri: he saw an opportunity, and pounced. A goal inside 27 seconds. Amazing! |
| 4.28pm ET21:28 | |
| 1 min: Portland lead, and what a terrible error from Steve Clark. Parkhurst went back to Clark, but the keeper took a heavy first touch, Valeri closed him down rapidly, and tackled him cleanly, and the ball just rolled into the net. Inside 30 seconds! Awful start for the Crew. | 1 min: Portland lead, and what a terrible error from Steve Clark. Parkhurst went back to Clark, but the keeper took a heavy first touch, Valeri closed him down rapidly, and tackled him cleanly, and the ball just rolled into the net. Inside 30 seconds! Awful start for the Crew. |
| Updated at 4.48pm ET | |
| 4.26pm ET21:26 | |
| GOAL! Columbus 0-1 Portland (Valeri 1) | GOAL! Columbus 0-1 Portland (Valeri 1) |
| Oh my word. What a start!!! | Oh my word. What a start!!! |
| Here’s that awful error for the first Portland goal. (vine via @Ben_Jata) https://t.co/2NxYWZBjYh https://t.co/lTUXhgs0hl | Here’s that awful error for the first Portland goal. (vine via @Ben_Jata) https://t.co/2NxYWZBjYh https://t.co/lTUXhgs0hl |
| Updated at 5.10pm ET | |
| 4.26pm ET21:26 | |
| And we're off! | And we're off! |
| 1 min: The 2015 MLS Cup final gets under way. Columbus all in yellow, Portland in green shirts, white shorts. Smoke all around the ground. It’s on! | 1 min: The 2015 MLS Cup final gets under way. Columbus all in yellow, Portland in green shirts, white shorts. Smoke all around the ground. It’s on! |
| 4.24pm ET21:24 | |
| Taylor Twellman: “Whoever bosses the midfield – and in particular which Argentine playmaker has a better game – will decide who wins the cup.” | Taylor Twellman: “Whoever bosses the midfield – and in particular which Argentine playmaker has a better game – will decide who wins the cup.” |
| Yep, dead on. Can Valeri outdo Higuain? | Yep, dead on. Can Valeri outdo Higuain? |
| 4.22pm ET21:22 | |
| Kevin Ross sings the national anthem. R&B-tinged – more Beyoncé than Bo Diddley. But it was good! | Kevin Ross sings the national anthem. R&B-tinged – more Beyoncé than Bo Diddley. But it was good! |
| 4.20pm ET21:20 | |
| They’re out shaking hands. Sunil Gulati and Don Garber making their presence felt. Let’s just play! | They’re out shaking hands. Sunil Gulati and Don Garber making their presence felt. Let’s just play! |
| Updated at 4.23pm ET | |
| 4.17pm ET21:17 | |
| Teams are in the tunnel. Shouldn’t be long. | Teams are in the tunnel. Shouldn’t be long. |
| 4.14pm ET21:14 | |
| Kei Kamara is fit, ready and raring to go: he turned an ankle in training yesterday, and there was some speculation that he wouldn’t be able to play. But he’s good, and has just told ESPN: | Kei Kamara is fit, ready and raring to go: he turned an ankle in training yesterday, and there was some speculation that he wouldn’t be able to play. But he’s good, and has just told ESPN: |
| “It was kind of a freak accident. Goalkeeper’s coming out for the ball and kind of stepped on my foot, rolled my ankle, got a little bump on my knee. But adrenaline will pump in, and I’m ready to go.” | “It was kind of a freak accident. Goalkeeper’s coming out for the ball and kind of stepped on my foot, rolled my ankle, got a little bump on my knee. But adrenaline will pump in, and I’m ready to go.” |
| 4.11pm ET21:11 | |
| I was just watching that Lucas Melano goal that sealed Portland’s victory over Dallas. So smooth – and a body swerve to rival Elvis. It’s around the 3:00 mark. | I was just watching that Lucas Melano goal that sealed Portland’s victory over Dallas. So smooth – and a body swerve to rival Elvis. It’s around the 3:00 mark. |
| 4.03pm ET21:03 | |
| Our Graham is in the stadium: | Our Graham is in the stadium: |
| It’s a chilly day in Columbus. Not 2013 Kansas City cold, just mildly affecting hacks’ quality of life cold. On that note, we’re all suffering democratically – Crew SC’s press box holds 20 people, so the majority of the press are in a big open air tent above the Nordecke. Can’t confirm that press box currently contains only Don Garber eating a truffle. | It’s a chilly day in Columbus. Not 2013 Kansas City cold, just mildly affecting hacks’ quality of life cold. On that note, we’re all suffering democratically – Crew SC’s press box holds 20 people, so the majority of the press are in a big open air tent above the Nordecke. Can’t confirm that press box currently contains only Don Garber eating a truffle. |
| Interesting to see Melano star in place of Asprilla. Can see potential for straight swap later in a tight game. And also interesting to see how if Ridgewell and Kamara still have any lingering effects of injuries when they line up against each other. Will be watching for that in early going (say, first nine seconds…) | Interesting to see Melano star in place of Asprilla. Can see potential for straight swap later in a tight game. And also interesting to see how if Ridgewell and Kamara still have any lingering effects of injuries when they line up against each other. Will be watching for that in early going (say, first nine seconds…) |
| 4.02pm ET21:02 | |
| As expected, we won’t kick off at 4pm on the nose. But it shouldn’t be too long until we get going. | As expected, we won’t kick off at 4pm on the nose. But it shouldn’t be too long until we get going. |
| 3.55pm ET20:55 | |
| Some pictures from the pre-game in Columbus: | Some pictures from the pre-game in Columbus: |
| 3.49pm ET20:49 | |
| It’s almost time! | It’s almost time! |
| Yes. #CrewSC #MLSCup pic.twitter.com/tyNErOF22a | Yes. #CrewSC #MLSCup pic.twitter.com/tyNErOF22a |
| 3.44pm ET20:44 | |
| Anyone got any predictions? They’re pretty evenly matched, these two, and I reckon both fancy their chances today. Columbus have home advantage, of course – thanks to their better regular-season record – but I think Portland could do it. 2-1 to the Timbers? What do you reckon? | Anyone got any predictions? They’re pretty evenly matched, these two, and I reckon both fancy their chances today. Columbus have home advantage, of course – thanks to their better regular-season record – but I think Portland could do it. 2-1 to the Timbers? What do you reckon? |
| 3.29pm ET20:29 | |
| Just a note on the starting lineups: expect Tchani and Trapp to sit deep and protect the Columbus back four, but Afful and Francis will look to get forward and provide service to Kamara. | Just a note on the starting lineups: expect Tchani and Trapp to sit deep and protect the Columbus back four, but Afful and Francis will look to get forward and provide service to Kamara. |
| Portland will line up in their preferred 4-3-3: if Nagbe, Chara and Valeri can wrest control of the midfield the Timbers should enjoy today. | Portland will line up in their preferred 4-3-3: if Nagbe, Chara and Valeri can wrest control of the midfield the Timbers should enjoy today. |
| 3.26pm ET20:26 | |
| Graham Parker is at the Mapfre Stadium: | Graham Parker is at the Mapfre Stadium: |
| Timbers fans packed in nicely for final #MLSCup @GuardianUS @tom_lutz pic.twitter.com/oHeSy0Eln9 | Timbers fans packed in nicely for final #MLSCup @GuardianUS @tom_lutz pic.twitter.com/oHeSy0Eln9 |
| 3.24pm ET20:24 | |
| Weather watch: it’s 47F, or 8C, in Columbus. Chilly, but it’s sunny and bright. No rain. | Weather watch: it’s 47F, or 8C, in Columbus. Chilly, but it’s sunny and bright. No rain. |
| 3.23pm ET20:23 | |
| The guys on ESPN are just reflecting on the strides that MLS has made since its inception in 1996. Taylor Twellman makes a good point on the rise of the soccer-specific stadium: | The guys on ESPN are just reflecting on the strides that MLS has made since its inception in 1996. Taylor Twellman makes a good point on the rise of the soccer-specific stadium: |
| “It’s an event to go to a soccer game. It was not an event to go to Arrowhead Stadium, to watch the Kansas City Wizards play New England Revolution in front of 4,500 people. Now it’s an event!” | “It’s an event to go to a soccer game. It was not an event to go to Arrowhead Stadium, to watch the Kansas City Wizards play New England Revolution in front of 4,500 people. Now it’s an event!” |
| Mapfre Stadium, where today’s game is being played, was, of course, the first soccer-specific stadium in the US. | Mapfre Stadium, where today’s game is being played, was, of course, the first soccer-specific stadium in the US. |
| Updated at 3.32pm ET | |
| 3.18pm ET20:18 | |
| And Kei Kamara will start for Columbus after an injury scare in training on Saturday: | And Kei Kamara will start for Columbus after an injury scare in training on Saturday: |
| Here's your #CrewSC Starting XI vs. @TimbersFC! #MLSCup #CLBvPOR pic.twitter.com/qNLE71YOHP | Here's your #CrewSC Starting XI vs. @TimbersFC! #MLSCup #CLBvPOR pic.twitter.com/qNLE71YOHP |
| 3.15pm ET20:15 | |
| Team news | Team news |
| And Liam Ridgewell is fit to play for Portland: | And Liam Ridgewell is fit to play for Portland: |
| Timbers #MLSCup XI vs. CLB: Kwarasey, Powell, Borchers, Ridgewell (c), Villafaña, Chara, Nagbe, Valeri, Melano, Adi, Wallace #RCTID | Timbers #MLSCup XI vs. CLB: Kwarasey, Powell, Borchers, Ridgewell (c), Villafaña, Chara, Nagbe, Valeri, Melano, Adi, Wallace #RCTID |
| 3.06pm ET20:06 | |
| Hello and welcome | Hello and welcome |
| It’s finally here. Nine months after the season started, we’re ready for the championship game. Columbus take on Portland for the MLS Cup, and it promises to be a belter. | It’s finally here. Nine months after the season started, we’re ready for the championship game. Columbus take on Portland for the MLS Cup, and it promises to be a belter. |
| Maybe it’s not the final some people wanted. Maybe these two sides lack star names. But it’s hard to contest the notion that they deserve to be here. Even if they didn’t top their respective conferences, the Crew and the Timbers been the best sides in the playoffs. Columbus dispatched a dangerous Montreal before beating the Red Bulls in the conference final, and their big players have come good. Kamara, Finlay, Wil Trapp et al have done the business when it’s mattered, and that’s why they’re here, and Didier Drogba, Bradley Wright-Phillips and others are watching from home. | Maybe it’s not the final some people wanted. Maybe these two sides lack star names. But it’s hard to contest the notion that they deserve to be here. Even if they didn’t top their respective conferences, the Crew and the Timbers been the best sides in the playoffs. Columbus dispatched a dangerous Montreal before beating the Red Bulls in the conference final, and their big players have come good. Kamara, Finlay, Wil Trapp et al have done the business when it’s mattered, and that’s why they’re here, and Didier Drogba, Bradley Wright-Phillips and others are watching from home. |
| Portland have never won the MLS Cup, and are, in the parlance, “championship-starved”. But they scored a hugely impressive aggregate victory over FC Dallas in the western final, beating many people’s tip for the title, and they’re a side short on glamour but long on guts. Caleb Porter dryly noted in his pre-match press conference that the Timbers hadn’t had one player selected in the MLS all-star team, but that’s the way he likes it. | Portland have never won the MLS Cup, and are, in the parlance, “championship-starved”. But they scored a hugely impressive aggregate victory over FC Dallas in the western final, beating many people’s tip for the title, and they’re a side short on glamour but long on guts. Caleb Porter dryly noted in his pre-match press conference that the Timbers hadn’t had one player selected in the MLS all-star team, but that’s the way he likes it. |
| “I just like the way the whole thing has kind of fit together, which is probably why we’re doing so well,” he said. | “I just like the way the whole thing has kind of fit together, which is probably why we’re doing so well,” he said. |
| Two well matched sides, in a packed stadium, on primetime TV, with US soccer’s biggest prize up for grabs: it should be a good one. Kick off’s at 4pm ET. Join us! | Two well matched sides, in a packed stadium, on primetime TV, with US soccer’s biggest prize up for grabs: it should be a good one. Kick off’s at 4pm ET. Join us! |
| Updated at 3.14pm ET | |
| 3.00pm ET20:00 | |
| Tim will be here shortly, in the meantime you can catch up with our pre-game coverage below: | Tim will be here shortly, in the meantime you can catch up with our pre-game coverage below: |
| Related: MLS Cup: the Timbers and Crew players who will decide the final | Related: MLS Cup: the Timbers and Crew players who will decide the final |
| Related: MLS Cup: Columbus Crew v Portland Timbers – which team is stronger? | Related: MLS Cup: Columbus Crew v Portland Timbers – which team is stronger? |
| Related: The 10 most memorable MLS Cup moments | Related: The 10 most memorable MLS Cup moments |