RSL secures home playoff match, will host Portland Timbers

It seemed like a little bit of a long shot this morning, but Real Salt Lake has secured a home playoff berth following the completion of the 2019 edition of Decision Day.

How’d it happen? Let’s break it down.

First, Real Salt Lake won their match against Vancouver Whitecaps. That was the all-important baseline. That 1-0 victory was the fulcrum on which the rest of the day swung.

Next up? Houston managed an absolutely massive victory over LA Galaxy, winning 4-2 with a stoppage-time goal sealing the win. That left LA Galaxy on just 51 points to RSL’s 53.

Then, Seattle Sounders took a 1-0 result over Minnesota United, leaving United on 53 points and RSL with the tiebreaker — wins — and position.

Now, with it all decided, we know who we host.

Portland Timbers.

October 19 or 20.

Rio Tinto Stadium.

With the shift in the playoff approach, with single-elimination games all the way down, hosting is absolutely massive.

Let’s go.