The Portland Timbers advanced to the MLS is Back final through clinical counter-attacking and solid defense, despite giving away five penalties throughout the tournament. One of the best defensive performances came in the final against Nani and Orlando City, who advanced to the final against all odds.
Orlando City has been somewhat of the laughing-stock of MLS for the past few seasons. Almost every team’s fans seemed to look at the Lions on the schedule and consider it a W. Unless those fans supported the Portland Timbers. Orlando City has had Portland’s number since entering MLS. Before the final Orlando City had won three and drawn one of the five total matches between the two.