No team in the Western Conference scored more goals this season than the Portland Timbers, yet when they needed one to extend their season they did not get it.
Timbers coach Caleb Porter said the Dynamo defense deserved praise for that.
With Sunday’s game at Providence Park tied, 1-1, the Dynamo were in position to advance when the second half began. They had to keep the Timbers from scoring again or score one more of their own.
Despite a defensive group that included only one regular starter, the Dynamo limited Portland to four on-target shots in large part because they limited their attack to the wide areas.