Diego Valeri helps 10-man Portland Timbers outlast FC Dallas in MLS playoffs

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:27 am

Diego Valeri scored twice, and goalkeeper Jeff Attinella made five saves, including one with his head, as the 10-man Portland Timbers advanced in the Major League Soccer playoffs by defeating FC Dallas 2-1 on Wednesday night in Frisco, Texas.

The Timbers, the fifth seed in the Western Conference, will play host to either top-seeded Sporting Kansas City or the second-seeded Seattle Sounders in the opener of a two-game, home-and-home semifinal series on Sunday. The opponent will be determined after Thursday's knockout-round game between Los Angeles FC and Real Salt Lake.

Timbers defender Larrys Mabiala received a red card in the 58th minute for a foul just outside the penalty box on Dallas' Dominique Badji that prevented an obvious goal-scoring opportunity. Reto Ziegler's ensuing free kick hit the wall of Portland defenders.

Valeri, the league's MVP last season, put a 25-yard free kick into the upper left corner of the net in the 23rd minute. Dallas goalkeeper Jesse Gonzalez made a diving attempt but couldn't quite reach the ball and ended up crashing into the goalpost.

Despite being a man down, the Timbers doubled their advantage in the 71st minute. Valeri took a back pass from Jeremy Ebobisse at the top of the 18-yard box and put a shot into the lower right corner.

Diego Valeri, right, celebrates after scoring in the Portland Timbers' MLS Cup playoff match at FC Dallas.
Diego Valeri, right, celebrates after scoring in the Portland Timbers' MLS Cup playoff match at FC Dallas.
Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Dallas, which lost its final three matches of the regular season to drop into the knockout round, outshot Portland 22-5, including a 6-3 edge in shots on target.

The only Dallas goal was scored by defender Matt Hedges after a scramble in front of the Portland net in the fourth of seven minutes of second-half stoppage time. Santiago Mosquera and Roland Lamah were credited with assists.

FC Dallas appeared to take the lead in the 12th minute on Ziegler's header off a free kick, but the goal was waved off after a video review because Ziegler was ruled offside on the play.

In the 26th minute, Dallas' Michael Barrios took a pass from Victor Ulloa and sprinted down the right wing, blasting a shot from the edge of the 6-yard box. The ball glanced off Attinella's head and then the crossbar. Mosquera's left-footed rebound attempt from 10 yards out sailed over the top of the net.