Matuesz Bogusz bagged a brace whereas Maxime Crepeau was despatched off in opposition to his former membership in LAFC’s 2-2 draw in opposition to Portland Timbers in MLS regular-season motion.
The 2 Western Convention sides did not disappoint of their first assembly of 2024 as each golf equipment comprise a few of the greatest attacking models in all of Main League Soccer.
The hosts struck first simply after 10 minutes performed at Windfall Park. Portland’s midfield maestro Evander unlocked the Black and Gold’s protection with a easy curled move that soared proper over the penalty spot earlier than Felipe Mora received the slightest of touches on the ball to information it into the purpose. LAFC’s Jesus Murillo wasn’t conscious of Mora’s run in behind because the Timers went 1-0 up.
Roughly 10 minutes later, the guests would reply and produce the sport to stage phrases after placing the Timber’s protection below strain. The purpose was coming for LAFC, as Tim Tillman placed on his playmaking boots to play Bogusz by way of on purpose. The Poland worldwide discovered the again of the online with a intelligent strike that kissed the within of the far publish to even issues up.
Evander added his second purpose contribution of the afternoon in emphatic vogue to place the house aspect again in entrance. As a substitute of Evander enjoying a ball excessive of the LAFC protection, this time it was Juan Mosquera who received in on the playmaking duties. Portland’s No. 10 powered residence a strike that rocketed into the roof of the online and proper over Hugo Lloris.
The second half began off in nightmare vogue for Portland regardless of holding a 2-1 benefit. Denis Bouanga was by way of on purpose after an over-the-top by way of ball from Eduard Atuesta, and the 2023 Golden Boot winner took a contact to get round Crepeau — however the ex-LAFC goalkeeper was proven a straight purple card after taking out Boaunga on the sting of his personal penalty space.
Issues received even worse for the host when LAFC knotted issues up at two apiece following Crepeau’s dismissal. Bogusz stepped as much as take the free kick that Bouanga received, and the 22-year-old could not have struck it any higher as Portland’s backup goalkeeper James Pantemis was rooted to the spot.
Neither aspect had been capable of finding a breakthrough within the last 40 minutes of regular time, as LAFC shall be pissed off they weren’t capable of finding a winner regardless of having a numerical benefit over the Timbers for a big chunk of the sport.
GK: Hugo Lloris – 5/10 – His protection did not assist him in any respect however you continue to anticipate a top-notch shot-stopper like him to not less than get a glove to one of many strikes.
RB: Sergi Palencia – 7.5/10 – LAFC’s second-best participant on the pitch that was stable in assault whereas additionally monitoring again to satisfy his defensive duties.
CB: Jesus Murillo – 6/10 – Fell asleep within the backline for the opening purpose as he allowed Mora to sneak in behind.
CB: Aaron Lengthy – 5/10 – Everywhere in the store in protection leaving acres of area for the likes of Evander and Mora to take advantage of.
LB: Ryan Hollingshead – 6/10 – Began vibrant with a intelligent run by way of the Portland protection however failed to trace his man on the Timbers’ second purpose.
CM: Tim Tillman – 7.5/10 – Pulled the strings from the midfield to assist open the scoring.
CM: Ilie Sanchez – 7/10 – Saved issues in examine within the midfield with one other wonderful displaying.
CM: Eduard Atuesta – 6.5/10 – Performed his half within the workforce’s second purpose with a stunning over-the-top move that was perfectly-weighted for Bouanga.
RW: Cristian Olivera – 6/10 – Went by way of a sluggish begin and by no means actually received right into a rhythm as the sport unfolded.
ST: Mateusz Bogusz – 9/10 – Saved his composure with a peaceful end on his weak foot that left Maxime Crepeau no likelihood of saving. His transformed free kick wasn’t too shabby, both.
LW: Denis Bouanga – 5.5/10 – Missed an enormous likelihood from point-blank vary within the first half to place LAFC in entrance and was simply missing sharpness.
Substitutes
ST: Kei Kamara (63′ for Sanchez) – 6/10 – Did not provide a lot up entrance after approaching.
LB: Omar Campos (63′ for Palencia) – 6.5/10 – Had just a few good moments on the ball after being introduced into the competition.
ST: Nathan Ordaz (86′ for Olivera) – N/A
Supervisor
Steve Cherundolo – 7.5/10 – His LAFC aspect appeared just like the one which was so dominant in 2023 for giant elements of the sport, however lapses in focus hindered their potential to seize a foothold within the contest and finally accumulate all three factors.