WATCH: Goalkeeping howler causes fastest ever MLS Cup goal, after 27 seconds

By Stephen Barry

The MLS Cup final got off to a flying start this evening.

It only took 27 seconds until the ball was in the net – although it was a very early Christmas present for Portland Timbers’ attacker Diego Valeri.

Valeri caught Columbus Crew’s Steve Clark asleep at the back to nick this goal.

Don’t blink. You’re watching the fastest goal in #MLSCup history at 27 seconds, courtesy of @DiegoDv8. https://t.co/m3wsmpQ1RZ

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) December 6, 2015

No. Freaking. Way. It's Diego Valeri! It's a 1-0 lead for @TimbersFC after seconds! #MLSCup 😮

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) December 6, 2015

The standard on offer didn’t get a whole pile better, if the Crew’s own opener is anything to go by.

It had to be him. @keikamara pulls one back for #CrewSC with a cool finish. #MLSCup https://t.co/WtVefYiveV

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) December 6, 2015

Portland lead 2-1 at half-time.