Topics: Sebastian Blanco, Kansas City, Portland Timbers, MLS Western Conference, MLS Cup
The Timbers won 3-2 and will thus move on to the 2018 MLS Cup, where they will face Atlanta United.

The MLS Cup Western Conference came to an end on Thursday, or early Friday depending on where you live, with Portland Timbers emerging on top. They beat Kansas City 3-2 in an action-packed game, thus booking their ticket to the final game.

One moment, in particular, stood out in this thriller. It was the Timbers' first goal of the day, courtesy of Sebastian Blanco, which came shortly after the break.

The away side entered half-time 1-0 down. Having earned a goalless draw in the first leg, this scoreline would have been enough to eliminate them, but their Argentine midfielder had other plans.

Seven minutes into the second half, the 30-year-old released a deadly shot from 25 yards which lofted over the helpless Kansas City goalkeeper. That strike left everyone stunned, from the fans to his own team-mate, as it turned the tides in this encounter.

From 25 yards out, Blanco scored this

His team-mate Diego Valeri could not believe his eyes

Nine minutes after that golazo, Portland marched into the lead thanks to Diego Valeri. The Wizards went on to equalize through Fernando but they conceded once again, as Valeri completed his brace in the 99th minute.

This means the Timbers were crowned the best in the west and will now move on to the 2018 MLS Cup. There they will meet Atlanta United, the champion of the Eastern Conference, having beaten New York Red Bulls 3-1 on aggregate.