Analysis The numbers behind the result
Portland's dominance and RSL's red card swung the game
Portland Timbers' 2-1 victory was fully deserved, with their 2.58 xG dwarfing Real Salt Lake's meagre 0.15, reflecting their control of the game. Despite RSL taking an early lead through Juan Sanabria's 18th-minute goal, the momentum shifted when Morgan Guilavogui was sent off in the 34th minute, leaving RSL a man down for over an hour. Portland capitalised, with Felipe Mora scoring twice in quick succession (56', 67') to turn the game around.
Portland's 61% possession and 22 total shots (6 on target) showcased their attacking intent, while RSL managed just 6 shots (2 on target) and were largely restricted to long-range efforts (4 of their 6 shots came from outside the box). The Timbers' 13 corners to RSL's 5 further underlined their dominance. Mora's clinical finishing (2 goals from 0.68 xG) proved decisive, with assists from Ariel Lassiter and Kristoffer Velde.
The key stat: Portland's 2.58 xG vs RSL's 0.15 — a stark illustration of the gulf in chance creation after Guilavogui's red card.