The Portland Timbers traveled down to southern California with a chance to lock up the #1 seed in the Western Conference for the 2013 MLS Cup Playoffs. Midfielder Diego Valeri continued with his maestro-like season by putting the Timbers up early in the 16th minute. After a sustained bit of Portland pressure in the Goats' defensive third, Valeri pounced on a loose ball and fired it home.
Valeri continued to lead Portland when in the 29th minute, he dribbled in on the Chivas backline. With few options, he cut back and served up a chip that left Chivas USA goalkeeper Tim Melia flatfooted. The ball sailed into the upper corner and gave the Timbers had a 2-0 lead.
Five minutes later, Valeri was at it again. Timbers' defender Futty Danso sent a long ball forward to Valeri on the right channel. Valeri cut into the Chivas penalty area and layed a pass to the top of the six. The ball nutmegged Goats centerback Carlos Bocanegra before connecting with Rodney Wallace who tapped it in back corner. 3-0, Portland.
After a relatively quieter second half, second half substitute Ryan Johnson knocked in his 9th goal of 2013 in the 72nd minute.
In the 76th minute, the other Johnson, Will, was fouled just outside the Chivas penalty area. He lined up the free kick, curled it around the wall and made it 5-0 Portland.
