In the first leg of the Audi 2018 MLS Cup Playoffs Western Conference Semifinals, the Portland Timbers defeated Cascadia-rival Seattle Sounders FC 2-1 Saturday at Providence Park. Here are three key #StatMan takeaways from #PORvSEA.
5 In the eight playoff matches all-time between Portland and Seattle, the Timbers have now earned the victory in five of the them. Portland has also won all three times the clubs have met in the MLS Cup Playoffs, outscoring Seattle 7-4 in those matches.
6 With his assist on Jeremy Ebobisse's goal, Diego Valeri now has six career assists in the playoffs. Valeri is now tied with Sporting Kansas City's Graham Zusi for most career postseason assists among active MLS players.
3Sebastián Blanco is the third Timbers player to score against the Sounders in the regular season and playoffs in the same year. Blanco joins Barry Powell (1975) and Byron Alvarez (2004) in accomplishing the feat.
