Real Salt Lake defeated the Portland Timbers 2-1 in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup semifinals on Wednesday night.
RSL took an early lead on a goal from Alvaro Saborio in the first half. Kyle Beckerman sent a cross to the far post and Saborio headed just inside the far post to give RSL a 1-0 lead.
Portland just about tied it up later in the first half on a shot by former RSL star Will Johnson, but Nick Rimando made the save to help RSL keep their lead at the half.
Joao Plate came in as a second half substitute, and he made an immediate impact. He scored from 25-yards out to put RSL up 2-0 in the 78th minute.
Portland cut the lead in half on a goal from Diego Valeri, but RSL held on to win the match and advance to the final.
RSL will host DC United in the U.S. Open Cup Final on October 1 at Rio Tinto Stadium.
