With Playoff Implications On The Line, Timbers Draw With SKC 2-2

What a wild match. The Timbers drew 2-2 with SKC Sunday afternoon at Children’s Mercy Park. Sebastián Blanco scored a first-half goal for Portland while Dairon Asprilla fired home the equalizer on a late penalty kick goal.

The match saw three separate players get sent off. In a confusing sequence, Brian Fernandez was given a yellow for a foul. In the scuffle that followed, referee Alan Chapman then showed him a straight red card for violent conduct. Following a VAR decision, Chapman then gave SKC’s Roger Espinoza a red card after his hands went to a Portland player’s neck leaving both teams with 10 players for the remainder of the match. Later in the second half, with Jermey Ebobisse in the box, Kansas City defender Ilie Sánchez pulled him down in the box. The referee awarded the Timbers the PK which Asprilla put in the back of the net.

The Portland Timbers return to Providence Park next week for a Decision Day showdown against the San Jose Earthquakes next Sunday. The Timbers can clinch a spot in the Audi 2019 MLS Cup Playoffs with a win or a draw against San Jose.

Match highlights: