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MLS tournament semifinals: Time, TV and streaming info, betting odds, and key players to watch

The Union have had two more days of rest than the Timbers, who are led by veteran Argentine playmaking star Diego Valeri.

Star playmaker Diego Valeri, center, leads the Portland Timbers against the Union in Wednesday's MLS tournament semifinal.
Star playmaker Diego Valeri, center, leads the Portland Timbers against the Union in Wednesday's MLS tournament semifinal.Read morePhelan M. Ebenhack / AP

Union vs. Portland Timbers

When: Wednesday, 8 p.m.

TV/radio: FS1, TUDN, Fox Sports “The Gambler” 102.5 FM and 1480 AM

Betting odds: Union +165, Timbers +145, tie +260 (via Rivers Casino, as of Tuesday afternoon)

A key intangible: The Union have had two more days of rest than the Timbers.

» READ MORE: Jamiro Monteiro is the Union’s most important player, even if you don’t always notice him

Timbers players to watch

M Diego Valeri: Now in his eighth season in Portland, the Argentine playmaker remains one of Major League Soccer’s great wizards. He isn’t an every-minute player anymore, but he still has all of his skills. And because he didn’t start in the quarterfinal win over New York City FC, he should have a little extra gas in his tank.

M Sebastian Blanco: Another Argentine star, he usually starts on the left side of midfield but can pop up anywhere with a game-breaking shot or pass. Blanco has two goals and five assists in the tournament, including one of each against New York.

F Jaroslaw Niezgoda: Portland bought the 6-foot-1 Polish striker in January for a reported $3.8 million transfer fee. It took him a while to get settled, but goals in two of his last three games showed how much of a threat he can be.

» READ MORE: How Ernst Tanner, José Martínez and others helped the Union grow into a team MLS respects

Orlando City vs. Minnesota United

When: Thursday, 8 p.m.

TV: ESPN2, ESPN Deportes

Betting odds: Orlando +148, Minnesota +165, tie +250

Intangibles: Orlando is used to Central Florida’s hot, sticky weather as the closest thing the tournament has to a home team. Minnesota has reveled in playing the underdog card in the knockout rounds, riding it to a penalty-shootout win over Columbus in the round of 16 and a 4-1 rout of San Jose in the quarterfinals.

Players to watch

Orlando F Nani: The former Manchester United and Portugal star has delivered on his status as a Designated Player with a goal, three asissts and the winning kick in the quarterfinal penalty shootout against Los Angeles FC.

Minnesota GK Tyler Miller: A Woodbury, N.J., native, he has played every minute of the tournament for the Loons. He made the decisive penalty shootout save against Columbus, then made three stops in the win over San Jose.