The historic Thanksgiving Day Audi 2021 MLS Cup Playoffs semifinal match between the Colorado Rapids and Portland Timbers FC was the most-watched MLS game on English-language TV since 2004, when 1,969,000 average viewers tuned in to see 14-year-old Freddy Adu's professional debut in a matchup between D.C. United and San Jose. The Rapids' battle for the Western Conference Final garnered 1,850,000 viewers and broke the record for most-watched MLS game on FOX.
Colorado was eliminated from the playoffs with the 1-0 result on Thanksgiving Day after a scoreless battle with the Timbers culminated to a 90th-minute set piece goal by Timbers' Larrys Mabiala. Despite the result, the televised holiday match audience ranked second in most-watched aside from MLS Cup Finals and All-Star matches.
