Timbers beat Rapids on late goal to reach MLS West final

Posted November 25, 2021 6:00 am

The Associated Press

Colorado Rapids forward Diego Rubio, left, dribbles as Portland Timbers forward Dairon Asprilla chases in the first half of an MLS Western Conference semifinal playoff soccer match, Thursday, Nov. 25, 2021, in Commerce City, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) The Associated Press

COMMERCE CITY, Colo. (AP) - Larrys Mabiala scored in the 90th minute and the Portland Timbers beat the Colorado Rapids 1-0 on Thursday to advance to the Western Conference final.

Portland will face the winner of the game Sunday between Sporting Kansas City and Real Salt Lake.

Yimmi Chara's corner kick was deflected high into the air and Cristhian Paredes headed it into the 6-yard box for Mabiala to knock home. Mabiala hadn't scored all season before connecting in consecutive playoff games.

Portland star playmaker Sebastian Blanco left early in the second half with an apparent leg injury. As he tried to run to a forward pass, Blanco went to the ground, grabbed the back of his taped left leg and immediately signaled for a substitution.

Portland will be without Dairon Asprilla for the conference final after he received a straight red card for violent conduct in second-half stoppage time.

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Portland Timbers goalkeeper Steve Clark makes a stop against the Colorado Rapids in the first half of an MLS Western Conference semifinal playoff soccer match, Thursday, Nov. 25, 2021, in Commerce City, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) The Associated Press

Colorado Rapids fans wave flags to welcome their team to the pitch to face the Portland Timbers before an MLS Western Conference semifinal playoff soccer match Thursday, Nov. 25, 2021, in Commerce City, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) The Associated Press

Colorado Rapids fans welcome their team to the pitch to face the Portland Timbers in an MLS Western Conference semifinal playoff soccer match Thursday, Nov. 25, 2021, in Commerce City, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) The Associated Press

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