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AUGUST 6, 2026 – PORTLAND, OR: (Photo by Diego G Diaz).
The Portland Timbers had a strong start to the 2026 Leagues Cup with a statement win over a Puebla squad that struggled to keep up with the hosts’ high-intensity rhythm. The Timbers opened the scoring just five minutes into the first half with a goal by Ariel Lassiter, but Puebla equalized 14 minutes later via Eduardo Mustre. The visitors seemed to be holding their own until the 35th minute, when Cole Bassett headed a cross from Kristoffer Velde to restore Portland’s advantage. Puebla had its worst minutes of the match in the tail end of the first half, conceding again to David Costa three minutes later, and then again to Cole Bassett, giving the home side a stunning 4-1 lead going into the break.
The second half saw a couple more goals: Portland’s fifth, by Ariel Lassiter in the 56th minute, and Emiliano Gómez’s goal for the final 5-2 for Puebla. Three points for Portland; they won’t have to deal with the burden of travel, as they will wait to face the powerful Club América de México on Sunday. Puebla will remain on the road and will try to reset during their visit to Texas to face Austin FC on Sunday as well.
