Portland beats Orlando 2-1 to claim MLS is Back championship
Orlando players block a free kick by Portland Timbers midfielder Diego Valeri (8), during the second half of an MLS soccer match, Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2020, in Kissimmee, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. Dario Zuparics first goal of the season gave Portland a 2-1 victory against Orlando in the MLS is Back finale Tuesday night. The goal set off a raucous celebration on the sideline and sent Orlando into panic mode. The Timbers, who spent 39 days in the MLS bubble and remained on West Coast time, hugged, danced and doused each other with water after the final whistle. Portlands experience the Timbers won the MLS title in 2015 and were runners-up two years ago showed in the finale. But considering Portland has managed just three clean sheets in its last 23 matches, it was no surprise to see a defensive breakdown just a few minutes later.
MLS to resume season minus 1 team amid growing virus concern
Major League Soccer MVP Carlos Vela will not accompany Los Angeles FC to the league's return tournament in Orlando this month. Vela announced his decision Monday, July 6, 2020, citing his concern for the health of his family, including his pregnant wife. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File)Major League Soccer is about to resume its season in a state that has seen a huge spike in coronavirus infections, with one team absent because of a COVID-19 outbreak, and with plenty of worry about what will happen next. FC Dallas withdrew from the tournament on Monday after 10 players and a coach tested positive for the virus. We are proud of Major League Soccer, and we want to show our game to the world, Orlando City coach Oscar Pareja said.