October 23, 2025

Portland Timbers Secure Playoff Victory Over Real Salt Lake

here-intlog
October 23, 2025
5:33 am
Cleveland, OH

News Summary

The Portland Timbers defeated Real Salt Lake 3-1 in the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs Wild Card Game at Providence Park. The win allows the Timbers to advance to a best-of-3 series against San Diego FC. Felipe Mora scored two goals, marking his return to form, while Kamal Miller added a third for the Timbers. Real Salt Lake’s struggle continued with their eighth consecutive playoff match without a win. Controversial officiating decisions added to the dramatic match, setting the stage for an exciting series ahead.

Portland – The Portland Timbers triumphed over Real Salt Lake with a score of 3-1 in the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs Western Conference Wild Card Game held at Providence Park on Wednesday. This victory allows the Timbers, who entered the playoffs as the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference, to advance to a Round One Best-of-3 Series against top-seeded San Diego FC.

The three-game series will commence on Sunday in San Diego, with Game 2 scheduled for Saturday, November 1, at 6:30 PM PT at Providence Park. Tickets for that game will be available for purchase to the public starting Thursday, October 23, at 12 PM (Pacific) via SeatGeek. All matches in this Round One series will be aired live on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV in both English and Spanish, with local radio coverage provided by 750 The Game in English and La GranD 1150AM/93.5 FM in Spanish.

This victory marks the Timbers’ first playoff series advancement since 2021, showcasing a notable turnaround for the team. Felipe Mora, who had been struggling with a scoring drought—his last goal prior to this match dated back to May—made a significant impact by netting a playoff brace. His first goal came in the 24th minute, converting a rebound after a saved header from a free kick taken by Kristoffer Velde. Mora further extended the lead in the 36th minute with another opportunistic goal, again taking advantage of a rebound and placing the ball past the opposing goalkeeper.

39th minute with a header that dipped into the top corner of the goal. Despite this brief moment of hope for the visitors, the Timbers maintained control of the match. Goals were also facilitated by solid defensive plays, particularly from Timbers goalkeeper James Pantemis, who executed crucial saves at key moments, ensuring that the team’s lead remained intact.

82nd minute by heading in a cross delivered by Ariel Lassiter. This win was only the second for the Timbers in their last eleven matches, indicating a positive shift for the squad as they progress in the playoffs.

eight matches, which includes three losses and five draws. Additionally, the match was marked by controversial officiating decisions, including a notably missed handball call against Real Salt Lake during the first half, raising questions about the refereeing standards in playoff fixtures.