Portland Timbers & Felipe Mora Get Groove Back in Wild Card Win

After a lopsided defeat at home against San Diego FC on Decision Day, the Portland Timbers entered their Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs campaign with their backs against the wall. They responded emphatically, taking a 3–1 win over Real Salt Lake in Wednesday’s Western Conference Wild Card match at Providence Park — their first playoff victory since 2021.

Mora Gets Back on Track

Felipe Mora, who scored Portland's last playoff goal back in 2021, delivered again — this time with a composed first-half brace to put the Timbers firmly in control. The Chilean striker recently became a father, and his manager Phil Neville praised his resilience and timing.

“I’m so pleased for Pipe Mora. He’s been through a lot — and when he starts scoring, he just keeps going,” Neville said post-match.

The win snapped a frustrating five-match winless streak that had plagued Portland at the end of the regular season (0W-3L-2D). With the playoffs offering a clean slate, the Timbers now carry momentum into a tough Round One matchup against top-seeded San Diego FC.

Eyes on an Upset

Defender Kamal Miller sealed the win with a late goal, ending the night 3–1 and restoring belief throughout the squad. “If we’d played like we did tonight all season, we’d be a top-four team,” Miller said.

Head coach Phil Neville echoed that sentiment, emphasizing his trust in the team: “I’ve got a group of players I trust with my life. That’s a brilliant place to be as a manager.”