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PTFC: From the Archives | Savarese's Choice: The crazy 2018 MLS Cup Playoffs win over Sporting Kansas City

Sebastian Blanco, Timbers @ SKC, 11.29.18

What is it about MLS Cup Playoff matches between the Portland Timbers and Sporting Kansas City? 


In 2015, there was the epic double-post, penalty kick thriller in the Knockout Round. In 2018, in the Western Conference Championship, the Timbers again faced off against Sporting – this time in a two-legged affair. The first match, in Portland, saw a nervy 0-0 draw to set up an exciting second leg in Kansas City.


On a frigid evening, the match became a true back-and-forth classic with Portland holding an away goal advantage for much of it. In front of a raucous crowd, Sebastián Blanco scored an other-worldly golazo while Diego Valeri added a brace in a 3-2 win for the team to clinch their second Western Conference title.


It's no wonder, then, why Timbers head coach Giovanni Savarese selected this match as his choice for this Sunday's PTFC: From the Archives, presented by KeyBank. Be sure to tune in on April 26, 2020 at 3pm PT on FOX 12 Oregon KPTV and Timbers.com to watch the rebroadcast of this incredible game.