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.

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.

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.