LAFC vs Portland Timbers Highlights
In their second to final game of the 2022 MLS season, the Black and Gold finished with a 2-1 victory in the LAFC vs Portland Timbers Western Conference rivalry matchup on Sunday. The win allowed LAFC to claim the 2022 Supporters’ Shield having the overall best regular season record in the MLS.
After a scoreless first half, LAFC midfielder Kellyn Acosta found forward Carlos Vela 19 yards out at top of the box for a left footed strike past Portland Timbers goalkeeper Aljaz Ivacic. With a 1-0 lead in the 51’ minute mark, Vela’s goal was his 12th of this season and was later awarded the best regular season finisher in the MLS.
The Timbers were able to even out the match 82 minutes in when defender Claudio Bravo crossed a swift, floaty assist to forward Dairon Asprilla for a header goal. Following shortly in the second half stoppage time, LAFC forward Denis Bouanga scored his first ever goal in the MLS to bring the Black and Gold up 2-1 and seal the win.
LAFC’s victory against Portland was the 21st win of Steve Cherundolo’s MLS coaching career and it set a new MLS record surpassing Bob Bradley and Thomas Rongen for the most wins ever by a first year head coach. Along with his 12th goal, Vela has also recorded 12 assists for the season and is only the fifth player in MLS history to ever have over 10 goals and 10 assists in three seasons or more.
With just one more game left in the season, LAFC will finish the season and play at home at Banc of California Stadium on Sunday, October 9 against Nashville SC.
Watch More LAFC vs Portland Timbers Highlights:
LAFC vs Portland Timbers – 5/10/22
LAFC vs Portland Timbers – 3/6/22