Blanco scores twice, Timbers beat Real Salt Lake 3-1

Posted November 04, 2021 7:00 am

The Associated Press

Portland Timbers midfielder Sebastian Blanco (10) celebrates a goal against Real Salt Lake during an MLS soccer match Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2021, in Sandy, Utah. (Scott G Winterton/Deseret News via AP) The Associated Press

SANDY, Utah (AP) - Sebastian Blanco scored two goals and the Portland Timbers beat Real Salt Lake 3-1 on Wednesday night to clinch home field for the first round of the playoffs.

Blanco put in a header in the 17th minute and scored on a give-and-go with Jaroslaw Niezgoda to finish a counter attack just before halftime. In between, Blanco centered the ball with pace that went off Aaron Herrera for an own goal.

With the season ending Sunday, Portland (16-13-4) is locked into the fourth seed in the Western Conference.

Salt Lake (13-14-6) could have clinched a playoff spot, but only managed a penalty-kick goal by Albert Rusnak, his career-high 11th, in the closing minutes.

Portland swept all three games this season by a combined 12-4 margin.

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Real Salt Lake defender Justen Glad (15) and Portland Timbers defender Bill Tuiloma (25) jockey for the ball in front of the Timbers' goal during an MLS soccer match Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2021, in Sandy, Utah. (Scott G Winterton/Deseret News via AP) The Associated Press

Portland Timbers goalkeeper Steve Clark (12) runs up to catch the ball during the team's MLS soccer match against Real Salt Lake on Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2021, in Sandy, Utah. (Scott G Winterton/Deseret News via AP) The Associated Press

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