Defender Liam Ridgewell scored the game-winning goal in the 83rd minute, and the Portland Timbers made it to the MLS Western Conference final, beating the Colorado Rapids 3-2 at the University of Colorado in Boulder on Friday night.
The Timbers advance to play for the conference title against the Los Angeles Galaxy next Friday in the MLS Cup.
Colorado had a 2-1 lead when the Timbers tied it 2-2 in the 57th minute. But Ridgewell, with defender Stephen Keel on his back, headed in the ball on a long cross from defender Futty Danso for the winner. The assist was Danso’s second assist of the game.
Emilo Rose scored twice and a own goal by Colorado’s Dillon Powers gave Portland the first half lead. Erik Hurtado added a second goal off a cross from Albert Rusnak in the 79th minute.
Rapids defender Jermaine Taylor kneed Conor Casey in the first half for a red card and a two-game suspension. Portland coach Caleb Porter also was sent to the locker room for arguing a couple of other calls.