Darlington Nagbe and Maxi Urruti each scored as Portland Timbers beat FC Dallas 2-0 on Saturday night, but it was not enough for the Timbers to make the playoffs. In spite of the final day victory over the playoff bound Texans, Portland needed Vancouver to drop points well and they did not; winning 1-0 0ver Colorado.

Portland knew that they needed a win to make the playoffs, and they came out firing. Diego Valeri nearly opened the scoring on 12 minutes, as he did really well to turn and create space for himself on the edge of the box but his shot was well saved. Portland continued to press, and had another chance just a moment later through Nagbe. He ran at the defense, swiveling his hips before uncorking a cracking strike that was well kept out.

He continued to be the one to force Portland forward, and nearly opened the scoring again in the 17th minute when his curling effort went just wide. Therefore, it seemed inevitable he would be the one to open the scoring. And open it he did in the 43rd minute. He ran at the defense, and his shot took a big deflection but it was no more than Darlington Nagbe deserved after the season he's had.

In the second half, the Timbers were extremely fortunate to remain in the lead. FC Dallas had not one but two goals disallowed. The first came off a corner that clearly deflected in off of Fabian Castillo's hand, but the second was not so clear cut.

A second ball was played into the box, and Blaz Perez nodded home powerfully. It looked for all the world a good goal but the referee's assistant ruled the ball had gone out for a Dallas corner. On second viewing, it looked a poor decision but it had started to feel as if destiny was on Portland's side.

In the 82nd minute, Urruti sealed the points. Gaston Fernandez picked out a fantastic through ball for him, and Urruti made no mistake with his finish powering the ball home. It was a very good performance from Portland, but they will be kicking themselves that it didn't happen either last Friday or last Tuesday.

The playoff seeding for the West are now set

1.) Seattle

2.) Los Angeles

3.) Real Salt Lake

4.) FC Dallas

5.) Vancouver Whitecaps

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About the author
Liam McMahon
American sports journalist based out of Milwaukee, Wisconsin who has been affiliated with VAVEL for more than a year. Co-editor of the soccer section at VAVEL USA and international football writer at VAVEL UK.