Ten-Man Timbers Fall 3-2 to LAFC on the Road

April 28, 2024 – Major League Soccer (MLS)
Portland Timbers News Release

LOS ANGELES – A 10-man Portland Timbers side fell 3-2 to LAFC in a hard-fought result at BMO Stadium on Saturday night. Despite conceding twice in the first half, Portland battled back with second-half goals from Jonathan Rodríguez and Santiago Moreno to level the score. However, a late stoppage-time goal from LAFC ultimately secured three points for the home team.

Club Legend Diego Chara

Today’s match marked Diego Chara’s 377th MLS regular-season appearance, setting a new MLS record for most games played for one club in league history. The record was previously held by Chris Wondolowski (376) with the San Jose Earthquakes. Chara also set a new MLS record tonight for most games started for one club in league history (370), surpassing Real Salt Lake’s Nick Rimando (369). Chara, who is in his 14 th MLS season, has recorded 12 goals and 33 assists for the Timbers. His 33 assists rank as third most in team history.

Attacking Threat

Portland has scored 20 goals through 10 matches this season. Notably, the Timbers have scored in nine out of 10 matches this year, and Inter Miami (10), who has played one extra match, is the only team in the league to score in more. The team has scored multiple goals in their last five straight matches and in eight of their 10 matches overall this year. Additionally, Portland has scored multiple goals in five of six road matches this season. Jonathan Rodríguez scored his second goal of the season in tonight’s match, while Santiago Moreno recorded his third goal of the 2024 campaign.

Goal-Scoring Plays

LAFC – Own goal (Kamal Miller), 44 th minute: Dénis Bouanga received the ball on the left side of the 18-yard box and immediately delivered it in front of the net. Attempting to block the play, Kamal Miller slid into the area and pushed the ball over the goal line.

LAFC – Timothy Tillman (Cristian Olivera), 45+4 minute: Cristian Olivera dribbled in the penalty area before laying the ball off for Timothy Tillman, who struck a first-time shot from distance to find the inside of the far post and the back of the net.

POR – Jonathan Rodríguez , 65 th minute: A deflected cross fell to Jonathan Rodríguez, who collected the ball with his chest and fired a shot between the legs of an LAFC defender to find the lower left corner of the goal.

POR – Santiago Moreno, 73 rd minute: An LAFC defender attempted to clear the play from their end, but Santiago Moreno was the first to…