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MLS is Back Tournament final: Portland Timbers v Orlando City – live! MLS is Back Tournament final: Portland Timbers v Orlando City – live!
(32 minutes later)
Minute-by-minute report: The teams face off in Florida to decide the winner of the midseason tournament. Join Beau Dure for the latest newsMinute-by-minute report: The teams face off in Florida to decide the winner of the midseason tournament. Join Beau Dure for the latest news
A contrast in goal scorers
Orlando’s Mauricio Pereyra is an attacker from Uruguay, which has gone a few decades without winning the World Cup but is still a soccer nation of distinction.
Portland’s Larrys Mabiala is a defender who was born in France but represents the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Mabiala can score, though. He had five goals in 2018, including a brace against rival Seattle. He also has experience in the Europa League with PSG and Karabükspor.
Pereyra also has Europa League experience with FC Krasnodar.
The winner of this game will be in the Champions League. CONCACAF’s, of course. Assuming it can be played before all the players are 40.
Second half underway ...
That Orlando equalizer ...
Neither goalkeeper has a save. Why? Because Portland has had very little possession, and Orlando has done little with theirs.
But it only takes one moment for a special player to have an impact, and Nani and Valeri have done just that, setting up one goal each direction.
45 min +4: A promising Orlando attack, with more incisive passes than we’ve seen for much of the half, ends with a pass that Chris Mueller can’t quite redirect on target.
45 min +2: Another free kick for Portland. Valeri again puts forth an inviting delivery, but no one is there to RSVP.
45 min: A long Portland pass threads the needle, but Gallese is quick to slide out to the edge of the box and snare the ball.
Four minutes of stoppage time forthcoming.
43 min: Valeri tries the cheeky free kick under the wall, but it’s less impressive than a recently discovered tunnel at the U.S.-Mexico border.
A couple more clumsy challenges, and now the Portland goal-scorer, Mabiala, goes into the book.
42 min: Unintelligent challenge from Moutinho on Loria, and Portland has another free kick, this time 20 yards out. Too close for Valeri?
And suddenly, it happens. Nani creates a sliver of space on the left and zips a pass to a tightly marked Pereyra. Portland’s Williamson loses out on the collision with Pereyra, and the Uruguayan slots it into the net from close range.
37 min: Welcome to anyone who has switched over after watching the five-overtime NHL playoff game. I won’t spoil the result in case you recorded it and plan to watch the whole thing later.
Your synopsis so far: Orlando is winning by a mile. Or they would be, if this was a possession game in training. Unfortunately for the Lions, you have to put the ball into the net, and they really haven’t come close. At the other end, Portland took advantage of a long free kick to take the lead.
Here’s our only shot on goal so far. They’re 1 for 1.Here’s our only shot on goal so far. They’re 1 for 1.
34 min: Elfath brokers peace between Pareja and Blanco, and we resume play. Some stats go up on the large screen -- Portland’s expected goals number is 0.21. Their actual goals numbers is nearly five times that.34 min: Elfath brokers peace between Pareja and Blanco, and we resume play. Some stats go up on the large screen -- Portland’s expected goals number is 0.21. Their actual goals numbers is nearly five times that.
32 min: This is curious. As we head into the hydration break, something happens off camera. Our commentators aren’t in the bubble, so they don’t know what happened, either. It seems like some sort of argument between Blanco and Orlando coach Oscar Pareja, all interrupted by the fourth official.32 min: This is curious. As we head into the hydration break, something happens off camera. Our commentators aren’t in the bubble, so they don’t know what happened, either. It seems like some sort of argument between Blanco and Orlando coach Oscar Pareja, all interrupted by the fourth official.
Blanco has a nice conversation with referee Ismail Elfath, and it appears no one will face any action beyond that.Blanco has a nice conversation with referee Ismail Elfath, and it appears no one will face any action beyond that.
30 min: The big screen bringing fans to the venue through the magic of the internet shows a young shaggy-haired Portland fan dancing.30 min: The big screen bringing fans to the venue through the magic of the internet shows a young shaggy-haired Portland fan dancing.
Portland gets another shot of sorts, but it’s well wide.Portland gets another shot of sorts, but it’s well wide.
At the other end, Portland keeper Steve Clark finally touches the ball as a cross deflects and floats his direction.At the other end, Portland keeper Steve Clark finally touches the ball as a cross deflects and floats his direction.
Yes, it’s against the run of play, but it’s well-deserved. Diego Valeri floats a 40-yard free kick over the defense, and Mabiala times his run perfectly and heads the ball down. It bounds up into the top of the net.Yes, it’s against the run of play, but it’s well-deserved. Diego Valeri floats a 40-yard free kick over the defense, and Mabiala times his run perfectly and heads the ball down. It bounds up into the top of the net.
Here’s that Chara foul on PereyraHere’s that Chara foul on Pereyra
24 min: Joao Moutinho comes up to take the free kick, which smashes into the wall and lands in the box out of reach of any Orlando attacker.24 min: Joao Moutinho comes up to take the free kick, which smashes into the wall and lands in the box out of reach of any Orlando attacker.
Orlando’s Jhegson Mendez shoves a Portland player who’s shielding him from the ball, so we’ll go the other way. Frustration setting in for the Lions?Orlando’s Jhegson Mendez shoves a Portland player who’s shielding him from the ball, so we’ll go the other way. Frustration setting in for the Lions?
22 min: More Orlando possession, more failures to do anything with it. Pereyra falls 25 yards out under a Chara challenge, and Elfath lets play continue for a bit.22 min: More Orlando possession, more failures to do anything with it. Pereyra falls 25 yards out under a Chara challenge, and Elfath lets play continue for a bit.
The replay shows Chara lifted his forearm as he ran up to Pereyra. Lucky not to be cautioned there.The replay shows Chara lifted his forearm as he ran up to Pereyra. Lucky not to be cautioned there.
Another free kick for Orlando ...Another free kick for Orlando ...
19 min: Somehow, Nani was wide open, and somehow, Pereyra had plenty of time to float the ball to him, and somehow, Nani managed absolutely nothing with it before the Portland defense recovered.19 min: Somehow, Nani was wide open, and somehow, Pereyra had plenty of time to float the ball to him, and somehow, Nani managed absolutely nothing with it before the Portland defense recovered.
Orlando did get a corner out of it, but it comes to nothing.Orlando did get a corner out of it, but it comes to nothing.
17 min: Half-chance, with Blanco putting in a good cross for Ebobisse. Orlando keeper Pedro Gallese came out to punch clear with both hands and unfortunately got Ebobisse in the head as well. The striker is down for treatment and scrunching up his eyes. The trainer gives him the “follow my finger” test, and it appears he’ll continue.17 min: Half-chance, with Blanco putting in a good cross for Ebobisse. Orlando keeper Pedro Gallese came out to punch clear with both hands and unfortunately got Ebobisse in the head as well. The striker is down for treatment and scrunching up his eyes. The trainer gives him the “follow my finger” test, and it appears he’ll continue.
15 min: Chris Mueller has a brief look at the goal from 20 yards out, but the Portland defense recovers in time to block his shot.15 min: Chris Mueller has a brief look at the goal from 20 yards out, but the Portland defense recovers in time to block his shot.
The statkeepers aren’t recording that as a shot, so we’re still shotless here.The statkeepers aren’t recording that as a shot, so we’re still shotless here.
12 min: Portland’s first significant offensive foray sees Blanco playing the ball wide to Valeri, whose cross fails to get through.12 min: Portland’s first significant offensive foray sees Blanco playing the ball wide to Valeri, whose cross fails to get through.
Thirty seconds later, Blanco makes a strong tackle deep in his own half, as if he’s suddenly a center back.Thirty seconds later, Blanco makes a strong tackle deep in his own half, as if he’s suddenly a center back.
10 min: Map showing Orlando’s dominance in possession or a typical Florida pop-up thunderstorm? Fortunately, the former.10 min: Map showing Orlando’s dominance in possession or a typical Florida pop-up thunderstorm? Fortunately, the former.
8 min: Nani is making his presence known with a couple of touches on either side of the box.8 min: Nani is making his presence known with a couple of touches on either side of the box.
MLS’ detailed stats tell us Orlando has had 94% of the possession.MLS’ detailed stats tell us Orlando has had 94% of the possession.
6 min: Kathryn Nesbitt gets some screen time, raising her flag to draw attention to a Portland foul near her sideline. Uruguayan Mauricio Pereyra lines up the free kick, another rather aimless delivery into the box.6 min: Kathryn Nesbitt gets some screen time, raising her flag to draw attention to a Portland foul near her sideline. Uruguayan Mauricio Pereyra lines up the free kick, another rather aimless delivery into the box.
Orlando, you guessed it, regains possession.Orlando, you guessed it, regains possession.
5 min: Ebobisse gets acquainted with Orlando’s defense in a bit of body-slamming. Ismail Elfath declines to blow the whistle.5 min: Ebobisse gets acquainted with Orlando’s defense in a bit of body-slamming. Ismail Elfath declines to blow the whistle.
3 min: Free kick for Orlando, which has had the better of play so far. It’s 28 yards out to one side, whipped in and cleared. Orlando regains possession. Portland has barely seen the ball.3 min: Free kick for Orlando, which has had the better of play so far. It’s 28 yards out to one side, whipped in and cleared. Orlando regains possession. Portland has barely seen the ball.
Orlando opens with some possession.Orlando opens with some possession.
MLS veterans face off as coachesMLS veterans face off as coaches
You might not find two MLS coaches who’ve earned as much respect in the league as Portland’s Giovanni Savarese and Orlando’s Oscar Pareja.You might not find two MLS coaches who’ve earned as much respect in the league as Portland’s Giovanni Savarese and Orlando’s Oscar Pareja.
Savarese, a Venezuelan who came to the USA to play college soccer at Long Island University-Brooklyn, was a fierce attacker for the MetroStars (now the Red Bulls) and a couple more MLS teams. He moved into coaching and had a successful run with the neo-NASL’s neo-New York Cosmos. Portland gave him a shot in MLS in 2018, and he immediately took the Timbers to the MLS Cup final.Savarese, a Venezuelan who came to the USA to play college soccer at Long Island University-Brooklyn, was a fierce attacker for the MetroStars (now the Red Bulls) and a couple more MLS teams. He moved into coaching and had a successful run with the neo-NASL’s neo-New York Cosmos. Portland gave him a shot in MLS in 2018, and he immediately took the Timbers to the MLS Cup final.
Pareja is synonymous with FC Dallas, the club for which he played many seasons upon his move from Colombia and for which he served many years as an assistant coach before starting a long spell as head coach. He also was one of the architects of Dallas’ renowned academy program. After a year in Mexico with Tijuana, he returned to MLS to take over Orlando. So far, so good.Pareja is synonymous with FC Dallas, the club for which he played many seasons upon his move from Colombia and for which he served many years as an assistant coach before starting a long spell as head coach. He also was one of the architects of Dallas’ renowned academy program. After a year in Mexico with Tijuana, he returned to MLS to take over Orlando. So far, so good.
Game starts in about two minutes.Game starts in about two minutes.
Black Lives Matter movementBlack Lives Matter movement
MLS players and staff have taken advantage of their unusual platform here to make bold statements on social justice. The league hasn’t been playing the national anthem, but players have all taken a knee before each game, and the various T-shirts included some designed by Philadelphia’s Warren Creavalle, drawing inspiration from a blog post by a player we’ll see tonight, Portland’s Jeremy Ebobisse.MLS players and staff have taken advantage of their unusual platform here to make bold statements on social justice. The league hasn’t been playing the national anthem, but players have all taken a knee before each game, and the various T-shirts included some designed by Philadelphia’s Warren Creavalle, drawing inspiration from a blog post by a player we’ll see tonight, Portland’s Jeremy Ebobisse.
And at last, ESPN turns its attention to Disney World, and perhaps we’ll find out when we’ll actually be kicking off.And at last, ESPN turns its attention to Disney World, and perhaps we’ll find out when we’ll actually be kicking off.
But first, Tim Howard narrates a piece about the bubble.But first, Tim Howard narrates a piece about the bubble.
Officiating newsOfficiating news
The center ref is Ismail Elfath, but the story here is Kathryn Nesbitt, the AR who will be the first woman to officiate an MLS final.The center ref is Ismail Elfath, but the story here is Kathryn Nesbitt, the AR who will be the first woman to officiate an MLS final.
The other AR is Kyle Atkins. The fourth official is Joe Dickerson, the assistant VAR is Logan Brown, and the VAR is the ubiquitous Allen Chapman.The other AR is Kyle Atkins. The fourth official is Joe Dickerson, the assistant VAR is Logan Brown, and the VAR is the ubiquitous Allen Chapman.
Elfath and Chapman were in the same roles when the VAR system made its U.S. debut four years ago.Elfath and Chapman were in the same roles when the VAR system made its U.S. debut four years ago.
Yes, that’s the Nani, the former Manchester United player and Portuguese international. He was superb in the Lions’ 3-1 semifinal win over Minnesota United.Yes, that’s the Nani, the former Manchester United player and Portuguese international. He was superb in the Lions’ 3-1 semifinal win over Minnesota United.
English striker Dom Dwyer, the husband of U.S. women’s striker Sydney Leroux, is out injured. The man up front is Tesho Akindele, from Canada by way of the Colorado School of Mines.English striker Dom Dwyer, the husband of U.S. women’s striker Sydney Leroux, is out injured. The man up front is Tesho Akindele, from Canada by way of the Colorado School of Mines.
Young American Chris Mueller has three goals in the tournament, as does Nani.Young American Chris Mueller has three goals in the tournament, as does Nani.
The keeper is Peruvian Pedro Gallese.The keeper is Peruvian Pedro Gallese.
The Pacific Northwest team has a lot of South Americans. Argentines Diego Valeri and Sebastian Blanco are the keys to the attack, and Colombian Diego Chara locks down the midfield.The Pacific Northwest team has a lot of South Americans. Argentines Diego Valeri and Sebastian Blanco are the keys to the attack, and Colombian Diego Chara locks down the midfield.
Their leading scorer in this tournament is French-born American Jeremy Ebobisse with four goals. The Duke Alumni Association would surely want me to mention that he and I both attended that fine institution, though he was there only two years while I was there ... six years? Seven? Not sure. They never taught me to count.Their leading scorer in this tournament is French-born American Jeremy Ebobisse with four goals. The Duke Alumni Association would surely want me to mention that he and I both attended that fine institution, though he was there only two years while I was there ... six years? Seven? Not sure. They never taught me to count.
Another player of note is left back Jorge Villafaña, the Kelly Clarkson of American soccer. He started his pro career after winning a reality show called Sueño MLS. He played several years with now-defunct Chivas USA, moved to the Timbers, played a couple of years in Mexico with Santos Laguna, then returned to Portland.Another player of note is left back Jorge Villafaña, the Kelly Clarkson of American soccer. He started his pro career after winning a reality show called Sueño MLS. He played several years with now-defunct Chivas USA, moved to the Timbers, played a couple of years in Mexico with Santos Laguna, then returned to Portland.
And a final bit of trivia -- Chara’s midfield partner, Eryk Williamson, is Queen Latifah’s cousin.And a final bit of trivia -- Chara’s midfield partner, Eryk Williamson, is Queen Latifah’s cousin.
The most likely attacking player to enter the fray later is Polish striker Jaroslaw Niezgoda.The most likely attacking player to enter the fray later is Polish striker Jaroslaw Niezgoda.
As with the NWSL Challenge Cup, this ad hoc tournament had a few hiccups before getting underway. FC Dallas and Nashville SC had to withdraw before the tournament started because of COVID-19 issues. But like the NWSL, MLS has managed to get through its short bubble season.As with the NWSL Challenge Cup, this ad hoc tournament had a few hiccups before getting underway. FC Dallas and Nashville SC had to withdraw before the tournament started because of COVID-19 issues. But like the NWSL, MLS has managed to get through its short bubble season.
The next challenge for MLS is a resumption of the regular season, starting ... tomorrow night, when FC Dallas hosts Nashville.The next challenge for MLS is a resumption of the regular season, starting ... tomorrow night, when FC Dallas hosts Nashville.
Separated by most of the continental USA’s land mass, the Portland Timbers and Orlando City have had contrasting fortunes in MLS.Separated by most of the continental USA’s land mass, the Portland Timbers and Orlando City have had contrasting fortunes in MLS.
The Timbers won MLS Cup in 2015 and reached the final in 2018. The expectations of their substantial supporters are always high.The Timbers won MLS Cup in 2015 and reached the final in 2018. The expectations of their substantial supporters are always high.
Orlando City has had five years of futility. You could argue that they have “home” advantage here, but the fields have been closed to fans, and Disney World really is its own “world,” anyway.Orlando City has had five years of futility. You could argue that they have “home” advantage here, but the fields have been closed to fans, and Disney World really is its own “world,” anyway.
It’s August 11.It’s August 11.
A first-round NHL playoff game is in triple overtime.A first-round NHL playoff game is in triple overtime.
College football teams are looking at possible games several months in the future.College football teams are looking at possible games several months in the future.
And a trophy is at stake in Major League Soccer.And a trophy is at stake in Major League Soccer.
How appropriate that folks in Orlando have marked the occasion with a perfect representation of the rip in the space-time continuum.How appropriate that folks in Orlando have marked the occasion with a perfect representation of the rip in the space-time continuum.
Beau will be here shortly. In the meantime, here’s a look at fans returning to MLS stadiums:Beau will be here shortly. In the meantime, here’s a look at fans returning to MLS stadiums:
The five-month wait has been hard for Luis Dollar, president of El Matador, an FC Dallas supporters’ group. “Man, not seeing our team out there was brutal,” he said. “We miss our team.”The five-month wait has been hard for Luis Dollar, president of El Matador, an FC Dallas supporters’ group. “Man, not seeing our team out there was brutal,” he said. “We miss our team.”
After the MLS is Back tournament in the Orlando “bubble” concludes on Tuesday, Dallas will host Nashville at Toyota Stadium on Wednesday and Sunday, marking the return of regular-season Major League Soccer games at club stadiums. And the return of fans in the stands.After the MLS is Back tournament in the Orlando “bubble” concludes on Tuesday, Dallas will host Nashville at Toyota Stadium on Wednesday and Sunday, marking the return of regular-season Major League Soccer games at club stadiums. And the return of fans in the stands.
Dollar plans to be there for his team’s first match since March, though the choice is not without risk. At least, that’s what the 1,438-word legal waiver to enter the stadium says. It requires attendees to acknowledge the possibility of exposure to Covid-19 and to agree not to sue.Dollar plans to be there for his team’s first match since March, though the choice is not without risk. At least, that’s what the 1,438-word legal waiver to enter the stadium says. It requires attendees to acknowledge the possibility of exposure to Covid-19 and to agree not to sue.
You can read the full article below:You can read the full article below: