Portland Timbers visit Colorado Rapids in West semifinals of MLS Cup Playoffs

Sebastian Blanco (10) celebrates a second-half goal in the Portland Timbers' playoff win over Minnesota United FC at Providence Park. Photo by Serena Morones, for The Oregonian/OregonLive

After surviving an emotional, roller coaster regular season and winning a thrilling opening-round match in the Major League Soccer Cup playoffs, the Portland Timbers were rewarded with the oddest part of an odd season:

A date against the Colorado Rapids in the first Thanksgiving Day match in MLS history.

“It’s kind of weird,” Diego Chara told reporters Tuesday, when asked about playing on Thanksgiving.

Of course, nothing has been ordinary this season for the Timbers (18-13-4), who persevered through a litany of injuries and multiple embarrassing losses to record their most regular-season victories (17), second-most points (55) and third-most goals scored (56). Then, staring at a 1-0 deficit against pesky Minnesota United in a first-round match at Providence Park, the Timbers responded in gripping fashion, using Larrys Mabiala’s first goal of the season and two more from Sebastian Blanco to earn a playoff win.

It was the Timbers’ first win over Minnesota since April 2018, ending a seven-game losing streak.

“It was a very good match from the guys,” Timbers coach Giovanni Savarese told reporters Tuesday. “A solid performance against a difficult team.”

And the difficulty only increases against Colorado, the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference. Here’s a look at Thursday’s match:

PORTLAND TIMBERS VS. COLORADO RAPIDS

What: No. 4 seed Timbers (18-13-4) at No. 1 seed Rapids (17-7-10)

When: Thursday, 1:30 p.m. (Pacific)

Where: Dick’s Sporting Goods Park

TV: Fox, Fox Deportes

A look at Colorado: The Rapids excelled all season, but did not claim the Western Conference No. 1 seed until Decision Day, when it defeated LAFC 5-2 at home. It was the Rapids’ most goals in any match this season and pushed them to 61 points, just enough to surpass Seattle and Sporting KC, which dropped points on Decision Day.

The good news, of course, is that it delivered Colorado a playoff bye, a first-place conference finish for the first time in club history and a spot in the CONCACAF Champions League. The bad news, one might argue, is that the success meant the Rapids would go 18 long days in between matches.

They have not played since Nov. 7.

On the pitch, Colorado does not feature a traditional star player, as Younes Namli, its only Designated Player, had ankle surgery in June and scored just one goal in 11 matches. Instead, the Rapids’ roster, which is loaded with MLS veterans, is balanced and their attack can come from anyone, as 18 different players scored goals this season. Michael Barrios recorded a team-high eight, Johnathan Lewis added seven and homegrown midfielder Cole Bassett had five goals and four assists. English midfielder Jack Price led the team — and finished tied for second in MLS — with 12 assists.

Whatever firepower the Rapids might lack, they more than make up for it with exceptional defense. Colorado allowed just 35 goals all season, fourth-fewest in MLS and just two shy of the fewest. Goalkeeper William Yarbrough appeared in all but one game this season, finishing with a record of 17-6-10. His 17 wins were the most among MLS goalkeepers and his 13 clean sheets was tied for first in the league.

Joe Freeman | jfreeman@oregonian.com | 503-294-5183 | @BlazerFreeman | Subscribe to Oregonian/OregonLive newsletters and podcasts for the latest news and top stories

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