LAFC vs Portland Timbers Highlights – MLS is Back Tournament
LAFC got off to another slow start Thursday night, this time against Western Conference rivals Portland Timbers in the final group stage game of the MLS is Back Tournament.
Bob Bradley opted to go with his most offensively dynamic line up, and the results were about what you would expect on both ends of the pitch.
LAFC came out a bit sluggish, overwhelmed by Portland’s high press and pace. Disheveled in the back, the nearly gave up a deflection goal in the opening seconds when Sisniega tried to get cute with the ball inside his own box. The actual opener came only a few minutes later when the LAFC back four got drawn out of position to allow Jaroslaw Niezgoda in behind for an easy one-on-one in the seventh minute.
LAFC used the water break to right the ship, doubling down on a high swarming press. The result was a laser beam equalizer for Bradley Wright-Phillips in the 36th minute, followed quickly by a second for Mark-Anthony Kaye on well-designed corner kick set.
The change in momentum held for most of the remainder of the match, and LAFC looked to be heading to the elimination rounds with the top spot until Ebobisse capitalized on a sloppy corner kick clearance. His powerful header sealed a draw and first place in the group for the Timbers.
LAFC are set for an elimination round rematch on July 27 with the Seattle Sounders, who ended their record-breaking 2019 campaign in the Western Conference Finals last year. Portland plays the following night against new club FC Cincinnati.
Watch More LAFC vs Portland Timbers Highlights:
LAFC vs Portland Timbers Highlights – 7/10/19 – U.S. Open Cup Quarterfinals
LAFC vs Portland Timbers Highlights – 6/1/19
LAFC vs Portland Timbers Highlights – 3/10/19
