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.[AP/Steve Dykes]
Sebastian Blanco scored the go-ahead goal and adding an insurance score 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.