The Portland Timbers won the 2015 MLS Cup championship with an amazing run through the end of regular season and the playoffs. Diego Valeri's stunning goal just 27 seconds into the final match in Columbus, Ohio set the tone for a game the Timbers would never trail in.
It was only the fifth season of MLS for the franchise, but Portland fans had gotten a taste of success with a run to the semifinals two years prior led by Valeri in his first year with the club. Jeld-Wen Field (the previous name of Providence Park) was sold out for every game. The roster was a collection of fan favorites and future legends representing 14 countries.
The regular season started slowly with a series of "almost" episodes, three straight draws and a twelve-game start of 3-5-4 (W-L-D). Then, after Memorial Day, things started to come together. The defense, led by Liam Ridgewell and Nat Borchers began a month-long clampdown that allowed only one goal over four games. The offense came to life behind Fenando Adi, Max Urruti and Darlington Nagbe. It took a three-game win streak in October to forge a tie with Vancouver for second place in the West, but a tiebreaker forced the Timbers to play in the knockout round.
The first post-season match went to penalty kicks versus Sporting Kansas City. It took eleven rounds before Goalkeeper Adam Kwarasey hit the game-winner. Then it was on to a two-leg semifinal with Vancouver. After a scoreless draw in Portland, Adi provided an early brace in the 31st minute and Diego Chara scored in stoppage and the Timbers advanced to the West finals with a major road victory. The Timbers gave themselves a better start in the series with Dallas, winning big 3-1 in their final home game of the season, forcing Dallas to try and run up the score in the second game of the aggregate series in Frisco, Texas. It did not happen. Adi, again, scored first in a critical road match and the 2-2 draw gave the Timbers the trip to the Cup final (5-3 aggregate).
The Columbus Crew were considered the favorites, playing the MLS Cup final at home. The Timbers Army traveled a large contingent and were instantly rewarded with Valeri's goal in the first minute of a misplay by Crew goalkeeper (and future Timber) Steve Clark. Alves Powell scored just six minutes later off another Columbus miscue and seven minutes into the game, the Timbers had a 2-0 lead. The Crew clawed one back in the 18th minute and both teams had opportunities throughout, but the 2-1 final allowed the Timbers to hoist their first (but not last) MLS Cup trophy.
The championship was the first men's professional title for a Portland Team since the 1977 Trail Blazers NBA trophy year. Fanendo Adi led the team in scoring with 16 goals. Diego Valeri led with seven assists. He is also a member of the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame.
