Los Angeles FC (LAFC) suffered a 2-1 defeat to the Portland Timbers, who snapped a five-game winless streak thanks to a late goal. Kevin Kelsy scored his first goal this season in the sixth minute of stoppage time to secure the victory for the Timbers. Kristoffer Velde also contributed with a goal and an assist for Portland.
Timbers Break the Deadlock, LAFC Respond
Velde scored his third goal in the last four games, giving the Timbers a 1-0 lead in the 32nd minute. It was the first goal conceded by LAFC this season, ending their shutout streak. Velde’s goal came on a counter-attack, a shot from the right edge of the penalty arc inside the back post.
LAFC responded in the 49th minute when Jude Terry, a 17-year-old making his first career start, scored his first MLS goal. Matthew Evans, a 19-year-old making his MLS debut, tapped a backward pass to Terry, who bent a first-touch shot around the outstretched arm of the goalkeeper to make it 1-1.
Stoppage Time Drama at Providence Park
The match remained level until the dying moments, with both sides searching for a winner. Ryan Porteous appeared to have scored a goal with a header in the 87th minute, but it was disallowed due to an offside ruling after VAR review. The Timbers then found the decisive goal in stoppage time when Brandon Bye played a long, arcing ball-in to Velde at the back post for a centering header, and Kelsy tapped it into a wide-open net.
Goalkeeping Changes for LAFC
Goalkeeper Thomas Hasal made his first start this season for LAFC but had to leave the game in the 30th minute after a collision with teammate Artem Smoliokav. Cabral Carter, a 21-year-old, made his MLS debut as he replaced Hasal in goal. James Pantemis finished with four saves for Portland.
- Kevin Kelsy scored the winning goal in stoppage time.
- Jude Terry scored his first MLS goal on his first start.
- LAFC’s franchise-record 571-minute shutout streak was snapped.
The Timbers’ victory was their first since a 3-2 home win over Columbus in their season opener. The result leaves LAFC with a record of 5-1-1.