Something special felt like it was in the air on Saturday.

The Portland Timbers took to Providence Park on Decision Day with their mission laid clearly in front of them: Win or tie against San Diego and they were into the playoffs as the No. 7 seed. Lose — and if Dallas could pull off an upset against Vancouver — and Portland would be relegated to the wildcard play-in match for the second straight season.

Fans packed the stands early. Portland manager Phil Neville, who typically wears sweats on the sideline, took the field in a full suit. The national anthem rocked, a tifo was raised and energy swelled as 20,000-plus fans anticipated playoff-caliber soccer.

Instead, everyone in attendance left disappointed after a very regular-season-like Timbers performance.

The Timbers lost 3–0, an

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