MLS Cup is here as the Portland Timbers host New York City to determine the league champion. Neither team would've been in the top picks to make it to the championship game, but that is part of the beauty of playoffs. Any team can get hot enough to end the season has a chance at making it to the final game and that's just what happened here. NYCFC will be up against it with Portland hosting the match but they'll hope that having the MLS Golden boot winner in Valentin Castellanos on their side will help.
Here's are storylines, how you can watch the match and more:
How to watch and odds
- Date: Saturday, Dec. 11 | Time: 3:00 p.m. ET
- Location: Providence Park -- Portland, United States
- TV: ABC | Live stream: fuboTV (Try for free)
- Odds: Portland +180; Draw +215; New York +165 (via Caesars Sportsbook)
Storylines
Portland: Making their third MLS Cup appearance, the Timbers will look for their second victory in what could be Diego Valeri's final match for the team. Welcoming Darin Asprilla back from suspension, and hoping that Sebastian Blanco is healthy enough to start the match, Portland will be closing in on full health at the right time to ensure that they leave everything on the pitch.
New York: The return of Valentin Castellanos and another week for James Sands to get closer to full health will go a long way for New York in this one. Maxi Moralez will be the most important player on the pitch for NYCFC and if he can escape Diego Chara's clutches, this could turn into a high scoring match as both teams know how to put the ball in the back of the net.
Prediction
A healthy Blanco and the narrative surrounding this game will be too much for New York to overcome in the final. Pick: Portland 3, New York 2
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