MLS: Guerra keeps Timbers alive, Union and Whitecaps progress in playoffs
Philadelphia Union and Vancouver Whitecaps progressed in the MLS playoffs, as Portland Timbers stayed alive in dramatic fashion.
Gage Guerra scored a crucial last-gasp equaliser as the Portland Timbers defeated San Diego FC 3-2 on penalties to force a Game 3 decider in their first-round MLS Cup Playoff series.
Having lost the opener 2-1 last week, the Timbers were staring down the barrel of an exit as goals from Amahl Pellegrino and Hirving Lozano cancelled out Kristoffer Velde's 18th-minute opener at Providence Park.
But Guerra, on as an 86th-minute substitute, met Ariel Lassiter's cross in the eighth minute of injury time to force a penalty shoot-out.
There were five missed attempts between the two teams before Antony scored the winner, which ensures there will be a decider in this series.
Supporters' Shield winners Philadelphia Union became the first team to book a spot in the Eastern Conference semi-finals as a convincing 3-0 win at Chicago Fire secured a 2-0 sweep.
Tai Baribo scored twice, and Bruno Damiani was also on target in the first half as the Union booked an Eastern Conference semi-final date with either Charlotte FC or New York City FC.
That series is going to the wire after Charlotte FC won Game 2 7-6 on penalties after a goalless draw at Yankee Stadium.
Kristijan Kahlina made the decisive save from Agustin Ojeda's spot-kick, having made five saves in regulation time to keep his side alive ahead of the decider at Bank of America Stadium.
The Vancouver Whitecaps progressed to the Western Conference semi-finals after late drama in their Game 2 contest with FC Dallas.
Ralph Priso scored a stoppage-time leveller to secure a 1-1 draw after Petar Musa's 25th-minute opener for Dallas at Toyota Stadium.
The Whitecaps went on to win the shoot-out 4-2, with Patrickson Delgado and Nolan Norris failing from the spot for Dallas.
Data Debrief: Antony influential, Union register another shut-out
Antony not only scored the winning spot-kick for the Timbers but also provided the assist for Guerra. He now has seven in MLS this season, the most of any Portland player.
The Union have built a lot of success off defensive solidity this season, and now have 15 clean sheets from 36 games – the highest in the league.
Indeed, that tally is one higher than Charlotte's, who took their number of shut-outs to 14 against NYCFC.
The Whitecaps have now scored in 15 straight MLS games, which represents their longest scoring streak in the competition since at least 2011.
