Sebastian Blanco scored two wonderful goals to send the Portland Timbers into the Western Conference semifinals where they will meet the Colorado Rapids on Thanksgiving Day. The Timbers defeated Minnesota 3-1 in Providence Park on Sunday in the first round of the MLS Cup Playoffs. Larrys Mabiala equalized in the 43rd minute and Blanco scored in the 47th and 66th minutes.
It was certainly a playoff atmosphere inside Providence Park, as the Timbers Army unfurled yet another amazing tifo prior to kickoff.
The stage was set for a fiery contest between the in-form Timbers and a lively Loons squad.