Portland Timbers Secure Playoff Victory Over Real Salt Lake

Portland Timbers players celebrating after scoring a goal during a playoff match.

Portland, October 23, 2025

News Summary

The Portland Timbers defeated Real Salt Lake 3-1 in the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs Wild Card Game at Providence Park. This win marks the Timbers’ advancement to the Round One Best-of-3 Series against San Diego FC. Felipe Mora scored two goals, while Kamal Miller added another. Despite a strong response from Real Salt Lake, the Timbers’ goalkeeper made critical saves, ensuring their victory. The team aims to build on this momentum as they prepare for a challenging matchup against the top-seeded San Diego FC.

Portland – The Portland Timbers triumphed over Real Salt Lake with a score of 3-1 in the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs Wild Card Game held on Wednesday at Providence Park. This victory allowed the Timbers, who entered the playoffs as the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference, to advance to a Round One Best-of-3 Series against the top-seeded San Diego FC.

The series will kick off on Sunday in San Diego, with Game 2 set for Saturday, November 1, at 6:30 PM PT at Providence Park. Fans can secure single-game tickets for the Portland matchup when they go on sale to the public on Thursday, October 23, at 12 PM (Pacific) through SeatGeek. Both matches will be broadcast live on the MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, with options available in both English and Spanish. Local radio stations will also cover the games, with broadcasts on 750 The Game (English) and La GranD 1150AM/93.5 FM (Spanish).

This win is particularly significant for the Timbers, marking their first playoff series advancement since 2021. Felipe Mora played a crucial role in the game with a playoff brace, having previously struggled with a scoring drought since May. Mora first struck in the 24th minute, converting a rebound from a free-kick play initiated by Kristoffer Velde. He doubled the lead in the 36th minute with another rebound goal, bringing the score to 2-0.

Real Salt Lake, however, responded quickly, with Justen Glad scoring their only goal in the 39th minute through a well-timed header into the top corner. Despite this setback, Timbers goalkeeper James Pantemis was instrumental in preserving the lead, making several pivotal saves throughout the encounter. The match concluded with Kamal Miller sealing the deal for the Timbers in the 82nd minute, sending a header into the net, thanks to a precise cross from Ariel Lassiter.

Despite this victory, the Timbers have only won twice in their last eleven matches, while Real Salt Lake has extended their winless playoff streak to eight games, comprising three losses and five draws. The match was also notable for instances of controversial officiating, which included a missed handball call against Real Salt Lake in the first half.

Looking ahead, the Timbers will face a formidable challenge against San Diego FC, who topped the Western Conference charts this season. The team is hopeful that the momentum gained from this win will propel them into a successful playoff campaign.

Upcoming Match Schedule

  • Game 1: Sunday, October 29 – San Diego FC
  • Game 2: Saturday, November 1 – Providence Park, 6:30 PM PT

Broadcast Information

  • Live on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV (English and Spanish)
  • Local Radio: 750 The Game (English), La GranD 1150AM/93.5 FM (Spanish)

Key Match Statistics

Team Goals Top Scorer Playoff Streak
Portland Timbers 3 Felipe Mora (2 goals) 1 Win (first series advancement since 2021)
Real Salt Lake 1 Justen Glad (1 goal) 8 Winless Matches (3 losses, 5 draws)

FAQ

When do the Timbers play their next playoff game?

The Timbers will play their next playoff game on Sunday, October 29, against San Diego FC.

Where will the second playoff game take place?

The second playoff game will take place at Providence Park on Saturday, November 1, at 6:30 PM PT.

How can fans purchase tickets for the upcoming games?

Single-game tickets for Game 2 in Portland will go on sale to the public on Thursday, October 23, at 12 PM (Pacific) through SeatGeek.

What radio stations will broadcast the games?

The games will be available on 750 The Game (English) and La GranD 1150AM/93.5 FM (Spanish).


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Additional Resources

STAFF HERE PHILADELPHIA WRITER
Author: STAFF HERE PHILADELPHIA WRITER

The PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhiladelphia.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mummers Parade, Philadelphia Flower Show, and Thanksgiving Day Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Philadelphia, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, food services, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Comcast, Aramark, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Pennsylvania's dynamic landscape.

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