This Saturday, Portland Timbers triumphed over Los Angeles FC with a score of 2-1 in front of an enthusiastic home crowd during Week 7 of the MLS. The match began with an exciting goal from Portland in the 31st minute, giving them the early lead.
Los Angeles FC made a spirited comeback in the second half, leveling the score with a well-executed play from Jude Terry, who netted a goal just three minutes after the restart. However, the Timbers struck back quickly, with Kevin Kelsy heading the ball into the net at the 50-minute mark, ultimately securing the win for Portland at 2-1.
Kevin Kelsy’s performance was a highlight of the match, earning him the title of the standout player as he scored the decisive goal for the Timbers. Additionally, Brandon Bye’s contributions as a crucial defender were instrumental in the team’s success.
Portland’s head coach, Phil Neville, deployed a 4-3-3 formation with James Pantemis in goal; Brandon Bye, Finn Surman, Alex Bonetig, and Jimer Fory forming the defense; José Luis Caicedo, David da Costa, and Cole Bassett in midfield; and Antony Alves, Felipe Mora, and Kristoffer Velde leading the attack.
On the other side, Los Angeles FC, coached by Marc Dos Santos, fielded a similar 4-3-3 formation with Thomas Hasal guarding the nets; Ryan Hollingshead, Nkosi Tafari, Kenneth Nielsen, and Artem Smolyakov in defense; Matthew Evans, Mathieu Choiniere, and Jude Terry in midfield; and Tyler Boyd, Nathan Ordaz, and Denis Bouanga up front.
Referee Armando Villarreal officiated the match at Providence Park. In the upcoming fixtures, the Timbers will travel to face Minnesota United, while LAFC is set to host San Jose Earthquakes.
Substitutions for Portland Timbers
62’ 2H – Jimer Fory was replaced by Ian Smith
70’ 2H – Antony Alves was replaced by Alexander Aravena
88’ 2H – Cole Bassett was replaced by Ariel Lassiter
89’ 2H – Felipe Mora was replaced by Kevin Kelsy
96’ 2H – Kristoffer Velde was replaced by Diego Chará
Yellow Cards for Portland Timbers:
6’ 1H Jimer Fory (Unsporting behavior)
36’ 2H Kristoffer Velde (Unsporting behavior)
Substitutions for Los Angeles FC
29’ 1H – Thomas Hasal was replaced by Cabral Carter
45’ 2H – Mathieu Choiniere was replaced by Timothy Tillman
55’ 2H – Kenneth Nielsen and Matthew Evans were replaced by Ryan Porteous and Mark Delgado respectively
67’ 2H – Denis Bouanga was replaced by Jacob Shaffelburg
75’ 2H – Artem Smolyakov was replaced by Ryan Raposo
Yellow Cards for Los Angeles FC:
13’ 1H Matthew Evans (Unsporting behavior)
12’ 2H Artem Smolyakov (Unsporting behavior)