We're LIVE at The Jelly, where a win won't cut it for Portland.

If the Timbers are to extend what's been a dream 2013 campaign, they'll need to defeat their biggest foils—a seasoned Real Salt Lake side PTFC hasn't topped in five tries—by two goals.

Improbable? Certainly. (Only three teams in Portland's situation have moved on in 11 tries) Impossible? Not for a team that's been surprising the rest of Major League Soccer all year.

Down a pair tonight before kicking off what could be the final 90 minutes of its season, Portland has no business advancing to the MLS Cup final. Sorta like they had no right going from eighth to tops in the Western Conference. Or rattling off a 15-game unbeaten streak. Or closing out the last eight matches of the season without a loss.

So is this a case of belief beyond reason? I wouldn't go quite that far. Sure, by all measures, it's unlikely Portland will play beyond this chilly evening. But there's not a soul in this old stadium who thinks the Timbers are out of this thing.

We'll have a Western Conference champion in a few short hours! So click past the jump and follow along as I deftly describe the action—on and off the pitch.

LINEUPS:
Real Salt Lake (16-10-8)—Nick Rimando in goal; (Former Timber) Lovel Palmer, Chris Schuler, Nat Borchers and Tony Beltran on defense. Kyle Beckerman, Ned Grabavoy, Luis Gil and Javier Morales at midfield. Robbie Findley and Devon Sandoval up front.
Rounding out the 18: Kenny Mansally, Olmes Garcia, Cole Grossman, Sebastian Velasquez, Joao Plata, Jeff Attinella and Brandon McDonald.

Portland (14-5-15)—Donovan Ricketts in goal. Michael Harrington, Pa Kah, Futty Danso and Jack Jewsbury on defense; Diego Valeri, Will Johnson and Diego Chara at midfield. Rodney Wallace, Darlington Nagbe and Frederic Piquionne up front.
Rounding out the 18: Ben Zemanski, Kalif Alhassan, Sal Zizzo, Max Urruti, Milos Kocic, Andrew Jean-Baptiste and Ryan Johnson.

Timbers killer assassin Alvaro Saborio—who's scored seven times in six matches against Portland—did not make the trip. Salt Lake will also be without defender Chris Wingert and his broken rib.

Timbers coach Caleb Porter indicated this week that he wouldn't be tinkering with his lineup much, and he wasn't foolin'. The only significant change is Piquionne getting the nod up front after throwing the Timbers a lifeline with a late goal two weeks back. After two weeks of rest, Portland's lineup is back to full health, most importantly Diego Valeri. Porter said his magician midfielder looked "as good as he has in months" earlier this week, which is great news for PTFC.

PREGAME: From the Dept. of Let's Get Things Straight: After falling 4-2 to RSL on Nov. 10, Portland needs to win by at least two goals today. If after 90 minutes they're tied up, we'll play 30 more minutes. Aaaaaand if it's still tied, we go to penalty kicks. Phew. Of course, if Portland somehow tops Salt Lake by three goals, they advance to the MLS Cup outright, and as the chant goes, there'll be a party in Portland and nobody will sleep tonight.

If there are two coaches in American soccer you wouldn't mind seeing prepare for a fortnight against each other, they'd be Porter and RSL's Jason Kreis.

The Timbers coach said he was "strangely excited" to see how sharp the Timbers look with elimination in play, while his counterpart similarly didn't hint at any changes in his club's approach.

"We're not going to be able to go there and sit back and just have a laugh for 90 minutes," Kreis said.

And perhaps, especially, the first 15. The opening minutes of this one may very well turn the series on its head—especially if Portland scores.

At 5:25, the Timbers spilled onto the field in front of an already-full Timbers Army, which showed a bit of playoff nerves by being out of synch for the usual "PT! FC!" chant. Yeah, it's early.

It's as clear as it was all day in Goose Hollow, which means it's quite chilly here in the press box. Looks like it'll be around 44 degrees for first kick, which will be in about 10 minutes.

Most Timbers fans will tell you it's been a long, anticipatory two weeks for them. One can only imagine what it's been like for the players.

"This week has been a bit different, mentally," said Timbers forward Rodney Wallace. "It's all I've been thinking about."

It's 6:00 and we just had pregame intros. By my admittedly stocking-cap-covered ears, Ricketts got the biggest cheer.

Timber Joey and Atticus Lane-Dupre brought the Western Conferernce trophy to midfield as the players are coming out of the tunnel. Porter melted a few hearts by Three fireworks boxes are in the South end's 18-yard box, ready to pop.

Timbers Army unveils tifo from the North End, above yellow and green checkerboard squares: It reads, "BELIEF BEYOND REASON."

FIRST HALF: And away we go! Timbers headed toward the North End.

1st minute—An action packed-first minute! Futty goes down in the box but keeps it at his feet before Harrington clears. Nagbe on the break and passes to Valeri, who let's one rip. It's deflected over the line and we'll have a corner.

2nd—Timbers with the first corner of the night. Will Johnson sends it in and Kah gets a header on it, but it's juuuust wide. Nice delivery and a great look at the goal for the Portland defender.

4th—Wallace called offside and Rimando will have a free kick about 35 yards from his goal. It's played long before Findley brings it down before Kah fouls Sandoval. Borderline call there at best, and we'll have a dangerous free kick for RSL.

5th—Morales sends it in low and it's headed down by Sandoval, but RICKETTS TIPS IT OVER THE CROSSBAR! What a save.

7th—Another corner for RSL as Kah is forced to send it over the bar. It's sent near-post and Piquionne heads it away toward midfield. Will Johnson and Palmer collide, and the former goes down in a heap. Palmer will pick up the match's first yellow card.

8th—Another corner coming for Portland. It's sent in low and Jewsbury gets a slight header, but it's popped high over the bar. Goal kick, RSL.

9th—TIMBERS NEARLY NET ONE! Piquionne with a cross right in front for Valeri, who misses it by inches. Great run by Piquionne to get past Borchers and hit a beauty of a cross. Valeri can't believe he didn't get to that one. Frenetic start for both sides.

11th—Great action on Portland's attacking end. They're really pressuring the RSL defense with crisp passing. Chara has a brief window for a shot before it's taken away. Salt Lake counters and will have a throw deep in Portland's end.

12th—Sandoval with an errant header and Valeri is on the counter. But Timbers don't have numbers and Valeri wisely retreats to the east sideline.

15th—TIMBERS NET ONE ON A CORNER but a foul is called. Futty heads the Johnson corner kick down and into the net, but the referee is all over it. He's calling a push (or is it offside?) on ... someone. Timbers Army not happy, but Portland appears to be on the cusp of something here.

17th—Valeri with a cross into the box for Wallace, but by the it gets to him, Wallace is on the ground and Rimando skies to grab it. No foul called and goal kick coming.

19th—Harrington plays one into Wallace who draws a crowd and forces a weak clearance. The ball rolls right up to Will Johnson, who unloads, but it's just wide to the left. Portland really knocking on the door the last few minutes.

21st—Harrington crosses into Piquionne, who volleys it to the feet of Valeri. HE SHOOTS TWICE, BUT BECKERMAN IS THERE TO KNOCK BOTH AWAY! Two great defensive plays for the US National Teamer and Valeri can only throw his head back in exasperation.

24th—Wallace goes down in a heap in front of the RSL bench and it looks like Urruti will come on for a hobbling Piquionne. It'll be a foul on Wallace and we'll have a free kick.

26th—Morales bends in the free kick and Piquionne tenderly boots it away.

28th—Urruti on for Piquionne. The latter is really hobbling as the former sprints on.

29th—RSL GOAL! Robbie Findley hammers home a rebound. Gil shoots one from about 35 yards out and Ricketts can't get a handle on it. Findley is there to blast it home and Real Salt Lake leads 1-0—but by three goals on aggregate.

31st—Timbers have a free kick about 30 yards out, straight on. Before he can take it, there's some scuffling in the box between Beckerman and Kah. Emotions spilling over a bit as the ref gets in the middle of the wall.

32nd—Johnson takes it and it's off an RSL head. Corner kick coming.

33rd—TIMBERS NET ONE but it's another offside call. Tough call, but a correct call. Futty was at least three steps offside there as Valeri crossed to Johnson. His shot was deflected down by Rimando and Futty finishes, but no goal will be awarded.

36th—Some sloppy play for both sides at the moment as we settle back in. The Timbers have shown plenty of resilience this season—and they'll need to show even more now.

39th—Timbers have a free kick and Will Johnson sends it in far-post. No problem for Rimando.

41st—Gil earns a corner in a footrace with Kah. It's sent in high and headed over the line by Futty, and we'll have another corner. Timbers are livid with the call, and they have time to argue as Morales takes his time.

42nd—Morales sends it in and Ricketts goes high to grab it. He tries to spring Nagbe at midfield, but Palmer is there to get in front of it.

44th—Johnson fouled hard about 40 yards out and we'll have another free kick. He sends it in high and it's headed over the line for a corner. High time for a goal if you're Portland. Johnson sends it in and Findley heads it away.

45th—Wallace down again and here comes the trainer.

THREE MINUTES of added time...and no action as the trainers tend to Wallace...Now Alhassan will come on for Wallace. Corner sent in and knocked around the box a bit, but Palmer knocks it away...Grabavoy down at midfield, holding his right leg. Timbers will have a throw in their own end...Cross goes into the box and to the feet of Valeri, but Schuler and Borchers cover it. Valeri hits his hand against the turf. It's been a frustrating night of near-misses for him.

HALFTIME: Salt Lake leads 1-0 and 5-2 on aggregate. Timbers Army raining boos on the pitch as Will Johnson argues with the refs at midfield. Portland's chances at extending its season? Yeah, not looking so hot.

The Timbers are back on the pitch a full two minutes before the start of the second half. They're eager to get back out there after a relatively solid first half, statistically, at least. Portland maintained possession 56% of the time, won 56% of duels and out-shot 8-6. But the only count that matters is 5-2, which may very well be an insurmountable margin.

SECOND HALF: Timbers headed south...and we're back at it! Timbers need three goals to force overtime. Timbers Army chanting "We believe" or is it "Beat Salt Lake"?

47th—Jewsbury with a cross in front for Urruti, but Rimando is there to knock it away.

48th—Nagbe with a long cross/shot/chip from the Southwest corner, but it's no problem for Rimando.

50th—Nagbe fouled just inside midfield. It bounces around a bit in RSL's box after a chip by Johnson. Beckerman clears and springs Gil, whose tackled from behind by Chara.

52nd—Free kick by Johnson after Nagbe is fouled from behind. He floats one in for Kah, but Borchers gets to it first and draws a foul.

53nd—RSL with a free kick and two RLS players come flying in before Ricketts goes up to grab it. Schuler comes in a bit late and Ricketts takes offense. Kah jumps in and starts kicking at Findley and Schuler, and there's a lot of pushing and shoving. Frustration boiling over for Portland as Schuler is given a yellow card.

55th—Nagbe leaves one for Valeri, who fires on the run, but it's high.

57th—Timbers with a free kick and Johnson sends it in low. Alhassan tries to backheel it and it falls back to Nagbe. He goes ahead to Valeri, whose shot is well high and wide. That was a good look for Valeri, who needs to at least put that on frame.

58th—Valeri with a cross into the box for Urruti, but his header is wide of the far post. That cross was screaming, and Urruti just misses making solid contact.

59th—RSL sub. It's Mansally for Palmer.

60th—Urruti is fouled in a dangerous spot just outside the box. Timbers really need to net one here. RSL wall is lined up a few feet in front of the line and taking their time stepping back.

61st—Johnson hammers it right into the wall and it's cleared. Timbers get it back and earn a corner.

62nd—Johnson sends the corner way out to the top of the 18 and Gil takes it. Chara gets it back and finds Alhassan, whose ball into the box for Johnson is just long.

66th—A Harrington clearance is cut off by Findley, who finds Gil running toward the line. He crosses, but Ricketts is there for a two-handed grab.

68th—Nagbe with his longest run of the night. Gets past a couple defenders and finds Will Johnson near the top of the box, but his one-timer shot goes wide right.

69th—Grabavoy with a nice ball ahead to Gil, who has a bit of a heavy touch in the box. Ricketts came off his line and slides to grab it. That was nearly RSL's second goal there, which would've really put this match on ice.

71st—Timbers with a corner. Johnson bends it in but it's knocked high. Timbers will make their final change of the night and it's aggressive as expected: Ryan Johnson comes on for Jewsbury. The Club Cap'n gets a nice applause as he comes off the pitch.

72nd—Morales plays a ball into the box for Findley, who has an open path after Futty gambles a bit. Ricketts comes sprinting out to the corner of the box and kicks it away just in time.

73rd—Another Timbers corner, but it's well over the pack and headed away by Borchers.

75th—A banner in Timbers Army is unrolled: "The Beer is not REAL in Salt Lake." Oh, I see what you did there.

78th—Alhassan fouled 45 yards out. Free kick coming. Now-or-never time for Portland.

79th—Free kick comes and Futty gets a head on it, but it bounces back out of the box.

80th—Harrington with a cross in front for Johnson, but it's through the pack and into the corner. RSL sensing victory here and easing up a bit.

83rd—Grabavoy gets into the 18 between Futty and Kah, but Futty knocks it away before Ricketts comes out and grabs it. On the other end, Urruti fires a shot, but Rimando is there to knock it down and collect.

85th—Kah picks up a yellow (why not?) as RSL brings on Garcia for Sandoval.

87th—Nagbe sends in a cross that's knocked back out of the box for Harrington. He hits a screamer, but no Timbers can get on the end of it. Goal kick, RSL.

90th—Valeri ends up with it and cracks one off Rimando. Futty comes flying in for the rebound, but it's over the bar. RSL makes its last sub: Velasquez on for...someone.

FOUR MINUTES of stoppage...Green and yellow smoke pouring from the North End. "Tetris" in full effect. No goals for the home team, but there's plenty about 2013 to celebrate for Portland...Alhassan with a right-footed volley at the top of the 18, but it's high.

FULL TIME: RSL wins, 1-0 and they'll advance to the MLS Cup final. Timbers fans chanting "PT! FC!" louder than perhaps all season as Portland's season comes to a close. Salt Lake players bouncing at midfield as the Timbers hug and try not to look.

Porter's postgame press conference: