MLS: Guerra keeps Timbers alive, Union and Whitecaps advance in playoffs
The Philadelphia Union and Vancouver Whitecaps have advanced in the MLS playoffs, while the Portland Timbers dramatically kept their hopes alive.
Gage Guerra scored a crucial last-gasp equalizer, allowing the Portland Timbers to defeat San Diego FC 3-2 on penalties, forcing a decisive Game 3 in their MLS Cup playoff first-round series.
After losing the opener 2-1 last week, the Timbers seemed headed for elimination when goals from Amahl Pellegrino and Hirving Lozano overturned Kristoffer Velde's 18th-minute opener at Providence Park.
But Guerra, who came on as a substitute in the 86th minute, met Ariel Lassiter's cross in the eighth minute of stoppage time, forcing penalties.
There were five missed attempts between the two teams before Antony scored the decisive goal, ensuring a decisive game in this series.
The Philadelphia Union, winners of the Supporters' Shield, became the first team to book a spot in the Eastern Conference semifinals with a convincing 3-0 victory over the Chicago Fire, securing a 2-0 sweep.
Tai Baribo scored twice and Bruno Damiani also found the net in the first half as the Union booked a date for the Eastern Conference semifinals against either Charlotte FC or New York City FC.
That series is on a knife-edge after Charlotte FC won Game 2 on penalties 7-6 following a goalless draw at Yankee Stadium.
Kristijan Kahlina made the decisive save on Agustin Ojeda's penalty, after making five saves in regulation to keep his team alive ahead of the decisive clash at Bank of America Stadium.
The Vancouver Whitecaps advanced to the Western Conference semifinals after a dramatic finish in their Game 2 against FC Dallas.
Ralph Priso scored a last-minute equalizer, securing a 1-1 draw after Petar Musa's 25th-minute opener for Dallas at Toyota Stadium.
The Whitecaps then won 4-2 on penalties, with Patrickson Delgado and Nolan Norris missing from the spot for Dallas.
Data Analysis: Antony influential, Union record another clean sheet
Antony not only scored the decisive penalty for the Timbers but also provided the assist for Guerra. He now has seven assists this MLS season, the most among Portland players.
The Union have built much of their success on defensive solidity this season, having achieved 15 clean sheets in 36 matches – the most in the league.
In fact, this tally is one more than Charlotte's, who brought their clean sheet count to 14 against NYCFC.
The Whitecaps have now scored in 15 consecutive MLS matches, marking their longest scoring streak in the competition since at least 2011.
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