Portland Timbers are through to the MLS Western Conference final after a dramatic 1-0 win over Colorado Rapids.
Larrys Mabiala struck in the final seconds of regulation time as the visitors broke the hosts hearts at Dick s Sporting Goods Park.
The Timbers will play either Sporting Kansas City or Real Salt Lake in the Western showpiece after inflicting a first home defeat in 17 on the Rapids – and eighth defeat in nine play-off games.
Although, Giovanni Savarese s side ended the contest with 10 men as Dairon Asprilla was dismissed after appearing to strike Braian Galvan in the face.
LARRYS MABIALA YOU LEGEND
— Portland Timbers (@TimbersFC)
The Rapids were unbeaten in their last five meetings with the Timbers and carried the greater first-half threat with nine attempts, three of which were on target.
Steve Clark twice came to the visitors rescue. First, he made a smart save to keep out Mark-Anthony Kaye following a fine individual run, before denying the in-form Dominique Badji’s header from point-blank range.
The Timbers struggles continued when a distraught Sebastian Blanco – the scorer of five goals in three games – was forced off injured within seven minutes of the restart.
Nevertheless, they worked their way into the contest and went close to breaking the deadlock when Jose Van Rankin s goalbound shot was cleared off the line by Danny Wilson.
And the 2015 MLS Cup winners snatched a dramatic victory with seconds of regulation time remaining, as Mabiala reacted quickest to volley home after a corner ricocheted kindly into his path.
Although, they were made to see out the dying moments with 10 men, when Asprilla was given his marching orders for violent conduct.
