Portland Timbers is the first team to advance to the MLS is Back Tournament Finals. Timbers secure their spot by beating Philadelphia Union 1-2 on Wednesday night.

Despite Philly being the slight favorite entering the game, the pressure seemed too much for the young Union squad. On the other hand, the experienced Portland team held their ground and looked like a better team despite sacrificing possession for the majority of the game.

Timbers opened the scoring early on thanks to forward Jeremy Ebobisse, who converted a beautiful cross by Diego Valeri in the 13th minute.

Portland then increased their league in 70th minute via veteran Sebastian Blanco, who scored after a header after a corner deflection. 

Union had chances of their own and was close to equalize late in the first half via a penalty kick. Unfortunately for Philly, Sergio Santos sent the ball over the crossbar. Andrew Wooten did manage to score in 85th minute to give an impression of a thrilling finish, but that was about it.

Timbers now await the winner of the second semifinals matchup between Orlando City and Minnesota United. MLS is Back Finals are scheduled for August 11th. 

The post Portland Tops Philadelphia to Secure a Spot in MLS is Back Finals appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Columbus Crew is the latest team to make it to the knockout stage of MLS is Back Tournament. The crew secured the spot on Thursday night thanks to a 2-0 win against New York Red Bulls.

Crew dominated the game, for the most part, getting the lead in the 22’ minute thanks to forward Gyasi Zardes. After ending the first half with a lead, Columbus then immediately scored at the start of the second period. Midfielder Lucas Zelarayán increased the lead to two in the 47’ minute with a powerful and beautifully place shot outside the penalty box.

Red Bulls struggled to answer back, being disappointingly inefficient in front of the goal. They registered seven shots but none of them was on goal.

Columbus is on top of Group E with two wins in two games. Red Bulls and FC Cincinnati have one win and one loss each, while Atlanta United lost both of their games.

The group will be wrapped up on Tuesday when Atlanta plays Crew, and on Wednesday, when Red Bulls and Cincinnati get to head to head for the final knockout stage spot.

Orlando City and Philadelphia Union previously booked their ticket to the next phase of the competition from Group A.

The post Crew Gets 2-0 Win against Red Bulls, Advance to Knockout Stage appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Major League Soccer officially returned to action on Wednesday night. Orlando City and Inter Miami met in the opening match in Group A of MLS is Back Tournament, with Orlando claiming a 2-1 win.

After the first 45’ minutes didn’t produce plenty of action, the second half was eventful from the very start. Just a couple of minutes in the second period, striker Juan Agudelo gave Inter a lead by converting Victor Ulloa’s cross in the penalty box.

Orlando responded with a heavy pressure that gave results in the 70’s minute. Captain Nani provided a beautiful flank cross to Chris Mueller, who had no trouble tapping the ball into the goal.

Nani then completed Orlando’s comeback deep in stoppage time, taking advantage of a deflection in the 18-yard box and ensuring his team gets the win and three points.

“Both teams were very generous with their effort. We saw a lot of soccer there,” said Orlando’s head coach Oscar Pareja after the game. “We are proud with the victory. Congratulations to the players and the fans.”

Orlando City will return to the pitch on July 14th, when they are scheduled to meet NYCFC. Inter Miami, on the other hand, will play against Chicago Fire on the same date.

The post Orlando City Beats Inter Miami as MLS Returns to Action appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Major League Soccer is set to return next month. According to an announcement made by the league on Wednesday, the 2020 season will resume with an “MLS is Back Tournament“ that will kick off on July 8 at Disney World in Orlando.

The MLS plan includes inviting all 26 teams to Orlando and hosting a tournament format competition. Teams will be divided into six groups, with each team being scheduled to play three games during the group stage. The top two teams from each group alongside the four best third-place finishers will then advance to the knockout stage.

The teams are expected to make way to Orlando starting June 24th and are required to arrive at Dinsey World at least seven days before their first game.

The “MLS is Back Tournament“ final is set to take place on August 11, with the winner earning a spot in CONCACAF Champions League.

“We are pleased to team up with Disney to relaunch the 2020 MLS season and get back to playing soccer,” said MLS commissioner Don Garber in a statement. “The opportunity to have all 26 clubs in a controlled environment enables us to help protect the health of our players, coaches, and staff as we return to play.”

It is important to note that the tournament won’t dub as a replacement for the regular season. The league still intends to have regular-season games later this year, although the results from Orlando will count towards the teams’ position on the standings. The exact number of regular-season games and the schedule for MLS playoffs and MLS Cup is expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

The post MLS 2020 Season to Resume in July with “MLS is Back Tournament” appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Portland Timbers is the first team to advance to the MLS is Back Tournament Finals. Timbers secure their spot by beating Philadelphia Union 1-2 on Wednesday night.

Despite Philly being the slight favorite entering the game, the pressure seemed too much for the young Union squad. On the other hand, the experienced Portland team held their ground and looked like a better team despite sacrificing possession for the majority of the game.

Timbers opened the scoring early on thanks to forward Jeremy Ebobisse, who converted a beautiful cross by Diego Valeri in the 13th minute.

Portland then increased their league in 70th minute via veteran Sebastian Blanco, who scored after a header after a corner deflection. 

Union had chances of their own and was close to equalize late in the first half via a penalty kick. Unfortunately for Philly, Sergio Santos sent the ball over the crossbar. Andrew Wooten did manage to score in 85th minute to give an impression of a thrilling finish, but that was about it.

Timbers now await the winner of the second semifinals matchup between Orlando City and Minnesota United. MLS is Back Finals are scheduled for August 11th. 

The post Portland Tops Philadelphia to Secure a Spot in MLS is Back Finals appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Columbus Crew is the latest team to make it to the knockout stage of MLS is Back Tournament. The crew secured the spot on Thursday night thanks to a 2-0 win against New York Red Bulls.

Crew dominated the game, for the most part, getting the lead in the 22’ minute thanks to forward Gyasi Zardes. After ending the first half with a lead, Columbus then immediately scored at the start of the second period. Midfielder Lucas Zelarayán increased the lead to two in the 47’ minute with a powerful and beautifully place shot outside the penalty box.

Red Bulls struggled to answer back, being disappointingly inefficient in front of the goal. They registered seven shots but none of them was on goal.

Columbus is on top of Group E with two wins in two games. Red Bulls and FC Cincinnati have one win and one loss each, while Atlanta United lost both of their games.

The group will be wrapped up on Tuesday when Atlanta plays Crew, and on Wednesday, when Red Bulls and Cincinnati get to head to head for the final knockout stage spot.

Orlando City and Philadelphia Union previously booked their ticket to the next phase of the competition from Group A.

The post Crew Gets 2-0 Win against Red Bulls, Advance to Knockout Stage appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Major League Soccer officially returned to action on Wednesday night. Orlando City and Inter Miami met in the opening match in Group A of MLS is Back Tournament, with Orlando claiming a 2-1 win.

After the first 45’ minutes didn’t produce plenty of action, the second half was eventful from the very start. Just a couple of minutes in the second period, striker Juan Agudelo gave Inter a lead by converting Victor Ulloa’s cross in the penalty box.

Orlando responded with a heavy pressure that gave results in the 70’s minute. Captain Nani provided a beautiful flank cross to Chris Mueller, who had no trouble tapping the ball into the goal.

Nani then completed Orlando’s comeback deep in stoppage time, taking advantage of a deflection in the 18-yard box and ensuring his team gets the win and three points.

“Both teams were very generous with their effort. We saw a lot of soccer there,” said Orlando’s head coach Oscar Pareja after the game. “We are proud with the victory. Congratulations to the players and the fans.”

Orlando City will return to the pitch on July 14th, when they are scheduled to meet NYCFC. Inter Miami, on the other hand, will play against Chicago Fire on the same date.

The post Orlando City Beats Inter Miami as MLS Returns to Action appeared first on SportzBonanza.

Major League Soccer is set to return next month. According to an announcement made by the league on Wednesday, the 2020 season will resume with an “MLS is Back Tournament“ that will kick off on July 8 at Disney World in Orlando.

The MLS plan includes inviting all 26 teams to Orlando and hosting a tournament format competition. Teams will be divided into six groups, with each team being scheduled to play three games during the group stage. The top two teams from each group alongside the four best third-place finishers will then advance to the knockout stage.

The teams are expected to make way to Orlando starting June 24th and are required to arrive at Dinsey World at least seven days before their first game.

The “MLS is Back Tournament“ final is set to take place on August 11, with the winner earning a spot in CONCACAF Champions League.

“We are pleased to team up with Disney to relaunch the 2020 MLS season and get back to playing soccer,” said MLS commissioner Don Garber in a statement. “The opportunity to have all 26 clubs in a controlled environment enables us to help protect the health of our players, coaches, and staff as we return to play.”

It is important to note that the tournament won’t dub as a replacement for the regular season. The league still intends to have regular-season games later this year, although the results from Orlando will count towards the teams’ position on the standings. The exact number of regular-season games and the schedule for MLS playoffs and MLS Cup is expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

The post MLS 2020 Season to Resume in July with “MLS is Back Tournament” appeared first on SportzBonanza.