Sebastian Blanco scores twice, Timbers beat Minnesota 3-1
Portland Timbers defender Larrys Mabiala, left, is mobbed by teammates after scoring a goal during the first half of an MLS soccer match against the Minnesota United in Portland, Ore., Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021. (AP Photo/Steve Dykes)[ASSOCIATED PRESS/Steve Dykes]
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Sebastian Blanco scored the go-ahead goal and adding an insurance scorer and the Portland Timbers eliminated Minnesota United from the MLS playoffs with a 3-1 opening-round victory Sunday. The fourth-seeded Timbers advanced to play the top-seeded Rapids in Colorado on Thanksgiving Day. Minnesota goalkeeper Tyler Miller was held out of the match after testing positive for COVID-19. He announced his test results on Twitter just before kickoff. Larrys Mabiala also scored for Portland. Franco Fragapane opened the scoring for Minnesota.
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Minnesota United defender Romain Metanire, left, celebrates a goal by his teammate as Portland Timbers defender Jose van Rankin, center, and defender Larrys Mabiala, right, look on during the first half of an MLS soccer match in Portland, Ore., Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021. (AP Photo/Steve Dykes)
Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS/Steve Dykes
Minnesota United midfielder Adrien Hunou (23) heads a ball past Portland Timbers defender Dario Zuparic, right, during the first half of an MLS soccer match in Portland, Ore., Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021. (AP Photo/Steve Dykes)
Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS/Steve Dykes
Minnesota United players celebrate a goal by midfielder Franco Fragapane during the first half of an MLS soccer match against the Portland Timbers in Portland, Ore., Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021. (AP Photo/Steve Dykes)
Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS/Steve Dykes