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Two things happened in tonight’s match between the Colorado Rapids and Portland Timbers.
First, the big one. The Rapids would’ve been in the playoffs with a tie but that wasn’t good enough for Kellyn Acosta. After subbing on in the 58th minute, the midfielder took on a defender and blasted a shot past Timbers goalkeeper Steve Clark to put the Burgundy Boys up 1-0.
Kellyn Acosta! @ColoradoRapids take the lead with minutes to go! #PORvCOL pic.twitter.com/QJwt1jwvDP
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) November 5, 2020
Second, there was a ... questionable call. In the 16th minute, the Rapids were initially awarded a penalty kick for a handball in the box on Portland defender Bill Tuiloma. After VAR, the call was reversed and no penalty was given.
According to the IFAB Laws of the Game 2020/2021:
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So, technically the referees were correct by the letter of the law; however, some made the case that his arm was in an unnatural position, which should have superseded the foot-to-arm.
Either way, Colorado found a way to get the job done and come home with three points and a playoff spot—and that’s something to celebrate.
Watch the full highlights here.