LARRYS MABIALA
Portland beats Orlando 2-1 to claim MLS is Back championship
Orlando players block a free kick by Portland Timbers midfielder Diego Valeri (8), during the second half of an MLS soccer match, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2020, in Kissimmee, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. Dario Zuparics first goal of the season gave Portland a 2-1 victory against Orlando in the MLS is Back finale Tuesday night. The goal set off a raucous celebration on the sideline and sent Orlando into panic mode. The Timbers, who spent 39 days in the MLS bubble and remained on West Coast time, hugged, danced and doused each other with water after the final whistle. Portlands experience the Timbers won the MLS title in 2015 and were runners-up two years ago showed in the finale. But considering Portland has managed just three clean sheets in its last 23 matches, it was no surprise to see a defensive breakdown just a few minutes later.