The Portland Timbers knew they had a tough task ahead of them on Sunday as they traveled to face Real Salt Lake, needing a draw or a win to earn a spot in the 2022 Major League Soccer playoffs. A loss meant they would miss the playoffs, no matter what happened elsewhere. The Timbers would never rise to the occasion as a first half goal by Jefferson Savarino and second half scores by Rubio Méndez and Bode Hidalgo secured a 3-0 lead. Dairon Asprilla had a late goal but it would not be enough and the Timbers would be at the short end of the 3-1 final. With the loss, Real Salt Lake jumps the Timbers in the standings and the Timbers end up 1 point below the playoff line.
