The Portland Timbers outshot their opponents 14 to 9, but could not find the back of the net in the first leg of the 2018 Western Conference Final. Settling for a 0-0 draw against Sporting Kansas City means that the Timbers will need to win or draw on the road in the second leg on Thursday if they want to advance to MLS Cup Final.
In a match that was destined to be a grind, the Timbers came charging out of the gates and looked to sneak an early goal. In the opening minute of the match, a ball flicked over the Sporting backline found Dairon Asprilla, starting in place of the injured Andy Polo, making a run to the end line.