Portland Timbers and Giovanni Savarese are one step away from making history at the MLS

The first semifinal of the MLS is Back Tournament was played yesterday, with Portland Timbers as the winner and first finalist. The team managed by Giovanni Savarese beat Philadelphia Union 2-1 in a very tight match.

Portland Timbers have been a favorite of the MLS is Back Tournament due to their strong performance in recent seasons since the arrival of Giovanni Savarese. With the coach in charge, the team equaled in 2018 the record for the most games without defeats in the history of MLS. However, if they get the title of the current tournament, the team and especially the coach would reach another record.

Giovanni Savarese became the first Venezuelan manager to coach the Portland Timbers in 2017. If the team led by the former Venezuelan player win the MLS is Back final, Giovanni Savarese will become the second Latino manager to be MLS champion.

This record to this day is solely held by the Argentine Gerardo Daniel Martino, who obtained his only MLS title with Atlanta United Football Club. Giovanni Savarese and Portland Timbers can join this prestigious roster should they beat their rival in the MLS is Back Tournament final, the winner between Orlando City Soccer Club and Minnesota United FC.