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HIGHLIGHTS | LAFC vs Portland Timbers – 3/4/23

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LAFC vs Portland Timbers Highlights

Kicking off their first match of the 2023 MLS season, there was no better way to end the LAFC vs Portland Timbers match than a victory for the Black and Gold. Giorgio Chiellini scored his very first goal in the MLS as LAFC defeated the Timbers 3-2 on Saturday at BMO Stadium.

In a sold out event, LAFC revealed their 2022 MLS Cup Championship banner and handed up the Baron championship rings during the pre-game ceremony. Banners honoring LAFC’s two Supporters’ Shield victories as well as its 2022 Western Conference and MLS Cup titles were unveiled above the east seats at the stadium.

The legendary, retired Gareth Bale and goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau lifted the MLS Cup to the field where they won the unforgettable championship last season.

Minutes following Chiellini’s score in the 24th, Carlos Vela converted another goal for the Black and Gold on a penalty kick and raised the lead to 2-0. After the half, Kwadwo “Mahala” Opoku kept the momentum going with another score in the 52nd minute.

Both Portland Timbers’ Evander da Silva Ferreira and Cristhian Paredes added a goal each. Evander’s score was his very first for Portland, as the Brazilian midfielder joined the club in December from Midtylland. Paredes then scored one past LAFC goalkeeper John McCarthy in the 84th minute.

With the victory, LAFC and FC Dallas are the only two MLS clubs to have gone 6-0-0 in their first six games of the season. LAFC also became just the second reigning MLS Cup champion in the previous seven years to win its season opener.

LAFC will host the New England Revolution on Sunday, March 2 at BMO Stadium.