LAFC has answers for Timbers

LOS ANGELES - A late two-goal rally wasn't enough to counter a three-goal deficit and the Portland Timbers dropped a 3-2 decision to LAFC Saturday in an MLS match-up at BMO Stadium.

The defending champions got a penalty-kick score from international signing Giorgio Chiellini as part of its three-goal push into the 52nd minute.

Portland responded with goals in the 62nd minute from international signing Evander, and one in the 82nd minute from Christian Paredes to give the final minutes some intensity.

Overall, Portland had possession for 53 percent of the match, but managed just five shots on goal to match the hosts.

Portland returns home for a Saturday game against expansion St. Louis FC. Game time is 7:30 p.m.

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TIMBERS WIN SEASON OPENER 1-0 OVER KANSAS CITY

PORTLAND - Juan David Mosquera made good on his potential in the opening six minutes, and that goal led the Portland Timbers to a 1-0 victory over Sporting Kansas City in the MLS season-opener for both teams Monday at Provicence Park.

Mosquera, signed during the off-season, scored off an assist from fellow Columbian Yimmi Chara, and goalkeeper David Bingham managed to hold off the visitors for a clean sheet.

Bingham, playing for injured Aljaz Ivacic, faced a ferocious attack that managed 11 corner kicks to just three for Portland. He last recorded a shutout while playing for the LA Galaxy in 2020.

The result of the game, which was moved back two days due to weather, made coach Giovanni Savarese the winningest coach in Timbers franchise history.

The Timbers take on LAFC in Los Angeles Saturday.

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