Timbers, Austin FC Play to 2-2 Draw at Providence Park

May 7, 2023 – Major League Soccer (MLS) – Portland Timbers News Release

PORTLAND, Ore. – The Portland Timbers played to a 2-2 draw against Austin FC at Providence Park on Saturday night. Dario Zuparic and Claudio Bravo both scored their first regular season goals for the club, while Evander recorded his first two assists of the season. Up next, the Timbers will host Real Salt Lake in the Round of 32 of the 2023 Lamar U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday, May 10 at Providence Park. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. (Pacific) and will be streamed live on the Bleacher Report app and B/R Youtube Channels.

Tonight’s Firsts

Zuparic scored his first career regular-season goal for the Timbers and second across all competitions, including his goal in the MLS is Back tournament final. Zuparic has made 10 appearances (all starts) for Portland this season, logging the second most minutes played (900) on the team. Since joining the club in 2020, the 31-year-old Croatian has played 90 matches (82 starts), tallying one goal and two assists. Bravo scored his first career goal for the Timbers in his eighth appearance (6th start) of the 2023 campaign. The 26-year-old Argentine has appeared in 56 matches (54 starts) across his three seasons with the club. With Zuparic and Bravo becoming Portland’s 11th and 12th goal scorers this season, the Timbers have more goal scorers than any other team in the league this year. Evander registered two assists tonight, marking his firsts of the season and his first multi-goal contributing performance. The 24-year-old Brazilian has tallied six points (2G, 2A) in eight appearances (six starts) this season.

Portland’s Form

The Timbers are unbeaten (2-0-1) in their last three consecutive matches across all competitions (Orange County SC, St. Louis CITY SC, Austin FC). In its last five matches across all competitions, Portland has picked up 10 points (3-1-1), outscoring its opponents with 12-7. Tonight’s match marked the sixth meeting between Portland and Austin FC. The Timbers have a mark of 3-2-1 (10 GF, 10 GA) against Austin FC and are unbeaten against the Texas team in their last four straight matchups (3-0-1), outscoring them 8-3 in that stretch. Notably, the Timbers are unbeaten against the opposition when playing them at home (3-0-1).

Goal-Scoring Plays

POR – Dario Zuparic (Evander), 33rd minute: Evander repossessed the ball and served a long diagonal ball into the right side of the six-yard box where Zuparic found the back of the next with a header…