It was a win that answered so many questions, and in such a decisive way. Defeating Real Salt Lake, 4-1, in Sandy, Utah, on Saturday not only saw the Portland Timbers hand RSL their second home loss of the season, it also provided a series of responses, answers to growing concerns about the team’s attack, road form, as well as what their best formation headed into Major League Soccer’s postseason.
The Timbers aren’t there yet, in terms of playoffs, but three points at Rio Tinto Stadium represents a huge step forward. With two games left in the 2018 season, Portland is six points up on the LA Galaxy, the seventh-place team in MLS’ Western Conference.