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RSL Rides Momentum into Playoff Clash with Timbers

10/22/2025

46 10 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Real Salt Lake (RSL) faces the Portland Timbers in a Wild Card match on October 22, 2025, at Providence Park.
RSL enters the playoffs with momentum after winning four of their last five.
Portland has one win in ten.
Diego Luna and Victor Olatunji scored a brace in the playoff-clinching draw against St. Louis.
The Timbers rely on Designated Players David da Costa and Kristoffer Velde.

History

Historical Context

In 2015, Major League Soccer expanded its playoff format, allowing 12 teams to compete, up from 10. The Portland Timbers won their first MLS Cup on December 6, defeating Columbus Crew SC 2-1, with Diego Valeri scoring the fastest goal in MLS Cup history. This victory marked Portland's first major professional sports championship since the Trail Blazers' 1977 NBA title.

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Story summary

Real Salt Lake (RSL) faces the Portland Timbers in a Wild Card match on October 22, 2025, at Providence Park.
RSL enters the playoffs with momentum after winning four of their last five.
Portland has one win in ten.
Diego Luna and Victor Olatunji scored a brace in the playoff-clinching draw against St. Louis.
The Timbers rely on Designated Players David da Costa and Kristoffer Velde.

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