Timbers Win MLS Tourney, Capping League's Successful Return

The Timbers defeated Orlando City 2-1 in the MLS is Back Tournament final last night, and in doing so they "earned a spot in next year’s Concacaf Champions League and can try for a spot to represent the region in FIFA’s Club World Cup." The Timbers also will get a guaranteed $300,000 for "being the last team standing." The focus "now turns to the MLS regular season," which resumes tonight when FC Dallas will host Nashville SC "with a limited number of fans in the stands" (Portland OREGONIAN, 8/12).

The Tournament final "ended a wild month for the MLS, which managed to play 51 matches in 45 days at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports complex at Disney World." It was "by most accounts a rousing success, especially considering how it started." After initial setbacks with FC Dallas and Nashville SC positive tests, the league "reported just two positives out of nearly 35,000 tests" (AP, 8/11).