One happy return home for the streaking Portland Timbers

 

The Portland Timbers are returning home with satisfaction after securing a 4-2 victory against Sporting Kansas City at Children’s Mercy Park Stadium on Sunday afternoon. The match was a thrilling six-goal battle, showcasing intense competition from both teams. With this win, the Timbers are in a positive position as they look ahead to a successful home game against LAFC, who also achieved a victory against the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday.

The Portland Timbers, with a record of 4 wins, 2 draws, and 2 losses for a total of 14 points, managed to break a 2-2 tie in the second half when Kevin Kelsy scored in the 49th minute..

David Ayala opened the scoring in the 10th minute with an assist from David Da Costa, putting the score at 1-0. The arrival of Kelsy significantly boosted Portland’s offensive attack, which had been lacking drive since Evander’s departure to FC Cincinnati. Kelsy delivered an impressive performance, scoring two goals and becoming the team’s second-highest scorer overall with three goals.

In the 26th minute, Kelsy scored his first goal after David Ayala dribbled near the penalty area. Kelsy nudged the ball in with his knee, bringing the score to 2-0. Then, in the 49th minute, Kelsy sealed the game with a pass from Antony in the penalty box, scoring his second goal of the day.

Kudos to James Pantemis for his outstanding performance after being beaten by Dejan Jovelic of Sporting KC. He successfully stopped a penalty after the game official called a foul in the area when Claudio Bravo pushed one of the Sporting KC players. This impressive save marked Pantemis’s third penalty save of the season.

Unfortunately for Sporting Kansas City, there are no signs of improvement, even when playing at home, where they have a record of 1 win, 6 draws, and 1 loss, totaling 4 points. Despite a change in management and a win over St. Louis last weekend, the team has not seen any progress.

Jonathan Rodriguez made his debut in the 69th minute when he was substituted in for Santiago Moreno. The Uruguayan player nearly scored a goal that could have given the Timbers a significant lead on the scoreboard. However, it was still a pleasure to see him on the field.

Portland Timbers secured a big win on the road with a final score of 4-2, thanks to Kevin Kelsy’s brace, making him the club leader alongside Antony and others.

 

Men of the Match

James Pantemis, Kevin Kelsy, and David Ayala