2021 MLS Cup final: Portland Timbers vs New York City FC: times, TV and how to watch online

The identity of the 2021 MLS Cup champions will be revealed by early Saturday evening, we will know there could even be a new name on the trophy in this 26th edition. Portland Timbers have made it to the final twice in the past six years – lifting their first Cup after beating Columbus Crew in 2015 then losing to Atlanta United three years later. But for their opponents New York City FC, this will be their first appearance in the final. They will be facing a side with more experience of the big stage and with a home advantage, cheered on all the way by the boisterous Timber Army – that makes the locals the favourites with the bookies but as ever, the emotion of the day usually plays a part too and in a final like this, anything can happen.

Related MLS Cup final news

Portland Timbers booked their place in the 2021 MLS Cup final after beating 10-man Real Salt Lake 2-0 in the Western Conference final on home turf last week. Felipe Mora set them on their way, bundling in the opener from close range on five minutes. Santiago Moreno’s sensational strike on the hour put the game to bed.

Eastern Conference champions New York City FC got the better of a Philadelphia Union side who were without nine key players, ruled out after testing positive for Covid-19. They had to come from behind against Philly, who went in front after Alexander Callens turned a Kacper Przybylko cross past his own keeper. That lead lasted just two minutes. Maxi Moralez rifled City back level and the game was settled in the dying moments when Thórarinsson squared to Talles Magno, leaving the substitute with a simple tap-in.

Portland Timbers vs New York City FC: team news

Timbers forward Dairon Asprilla is back from suspension – the Colombian right winger was sent off in the play-off against Colorado Rapids and sat out the meeting with Real Salt Lake. Playmaker Sebastian Blanco picked up a hamstring injury in the same match but insisted that he has recovered and is ready to play. Veteran Diego Valeri will be leaving at the end of the season after nine seasons at the club and will want to end on a high in what could be his final game.

As for City, 2021 Golden Boot winner Taty Castellanos is available again after missing the Eastern Conference final against Philadelphia Union through suspension. Otherwise, Giovanni Savarese’s team will be at full strength.

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What the coaches said

“We understand what we expect to see on the field. The passion of our fans is unique. The atmosphere is going to be amazing and I think it is going to show how much soccer has grown, not only in the United States but for people watching internationally, it’s going to be a great event. I am very fortunate as a coach to have a group of players that have been here before – they have experience and we will be making sure that we have a lot of balance emotionally in everything that we do. I trust the players – they have shown they know how to control these moments in a smart way” - Timbers head coach Giovanni Savarese

“We are excited of course. We had a good journey over here and have prepared well. We will do everything in our power to win and to take the cup home to New York. Injury-wise, we are as we have been for the last few weeks. Taty’s back again after suspension so everything is good. I don’t know if Portland is going to try something new but I haven’t seen them playing man again man so much. Defensively they are very good, they are well organized and very hard to stop on counter attacks. For us, it’s going to be important to play quick; we’ll put Taty up as high as possible inside the 18-yard box - he is different to the other players who play a little bit behind him, he has physique and movement into space while the others are good playing between lines. They work well together” - New York City FC head coach Ronny Deila

What time does Portland Timbers vs New York City FC kick off?

The 2021 MLS Cup final between Portland Timbers and New York City FC will be played at Providence Park, Portland, Oregon on Saturday 11 December with kick-off at 12 noon local time PT / 3pm ET.

That’s 9pm CET in central Europe and 8pm UK time.

Find out what time the 2021 MLS Cup final between Portland Timbers and New York City FC kicks off wherever you are in the world.

Where can I watch Portland Timbers vs New York City FC in the US and UK?

In the US and UK, the following television channels and online services will be broadcasting Portland Timbers vs New York City FC:

Find out who is showing the 2021 MLS Cup final between Portland Timbers and New York City FC around in the world.

Portland Timbers vs New York City FC: live AS USA coverage

You’ll also be able to follow live-text coverage of Portland Timbers vs New York City FC right here at AS USA. We'll be building up to the game from about an hour ahead of kick-off, before taking you through the action as it unfolds.