The Portland Timbers and Los Angeles FC played out a 1-1 draw at BMO Stadium on August 22, with both teams taking a point from an entertaining MLS regular-season contest.
Portland made the faster start when David Da Costa opened the scoring in the fourth minute. LAFC controlled much of the attacking play afterward but struggled to find a way through Portland’s defense and goalkeeper James Pantemis.
The hosts eventually found their equalizer in the 79th minute through Denis Bouanga, whose effort through traffic restored parity. Portland then had to survive the closing moments with 10 players after Vincent Janssen was sent off for a second yellow card in stoppage time.
David Da Costa Gives Portland Early Lead
The Timbers needed only four minutes to break the deadlock.
Kristoffer Velde created the opportunity after intercepting the ball in Portland’s half and carrying it forward down the left. He cut inside before finding Da Costa, who finished with a first-time left-footed shot from outside the six-yard area.
The goal continued Da Costa’s productive run. He reached three goals and 10 total goal contributions in the 2026 MLS campaign, while Velde recorded an assist for the second consecutive match.
Velde has also become one of Portland’s most influential attacking players. His latest assist moved him to nine for the season and 14 total goal contributions.
LAFC Dominate Attacking Numbers
Although Portland had the advantage on the scoreboard for most of the match, LAFC created the majority of the attacking pressure.
LAFC finished with 34 total shots compared with nine for Portland. The hosts also registered 11 shots on target and earned 12 corner kicks.
Denis Bouanga was particularly dangerous, producing 12 shots and putting six attempts on target. However, Portland goalkeeper James Pantemis repeatedly denied LAFC and kept the Timbers ahead.
Pantemis finished with 10 saves, making five stops in each half. His performance was crucial in helping Portland hold onto its lead for more than 75 minutes.
Denis Bouanga Levels the Match
LAFC finally broke through in the 79th minute.
Bouanga moved along the left edge of the penalty area before firing a right-footed effort through traffic and into the far side of the goal. The finish brought LAFC level at 1-1 and ended Portland’s hopes of leaving Los Angeles with all three points.
For LAFC, the goal was especially important after the club had suffered two consecutive league defeats before the match. The draw halted that losing streak and allowed LAFC to remain third in the Western Conference with 35 points.
Portland Finish With 10 Players
The final minutes became increasingly difficult for Portland after Vincent Janssen received his second yellow card in second-half stoppage time.
Janssen was sent off in the 90+3rd minute, forcing the Timbers to defend with 10 men during the final moments. Despite the pressure from LAFC, Portland held firm and secured a valuable away point.
The result gave Portland four points from its two 2026 MLS meetings with LAFC, following a 1-0 victory in the previous encounter.
Portland’s Strong Recent Form Continues
The draw extended Portland’s impressive run since returning from the summer international window.
The Timbers have now gone unbeaten in eight of their last 10 matches across all competitions, recording six wins, two draws and two defeats during that stretch. They have also scored in 11 consecutive matches across all competitions.
Portland entered the match in ninth place in the Western Conference and remained there after collecting another point. The Timbers moved to an 8-9-4 record with 28 points.
The team also completed its seventh competitive match in a demanding 22-day period, making the result particularly valuable given the schedule.
LAFC Remain Third in Western Conference
For LAFC, the 1-1 draw leaves the club with a 10-7-5 record and 35 points.
While the result ended the team’s two-match losing run, LAFC will likely view the match as an opportunity missed after producing 34 shots and dominating the attacking statistics.
Bouanga’s equalizer ensured the home side avoided another defeat, but Portland’s defensive resilience prevented LAFC from completing the comeback.
What Comes Next?
LAFC will return to action on August 29 against D.C. United at Audi Field in Washington, D.C. The match is scheduled for a 4:30 p.m. PT kickoff.
Portland will begin a three-match homestand on August 29 when Austin FC visits Providence Park. That match is scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. PT.
The 1-1 draw leaves both clubs with plenty to build on as the MLS regular season enters another important stretch. LAFC will look to turn its attacking dominance into victories, while Portland can take confidence from another strong defensive display and its growing run of positive results.
Final score: LAFC 1-1 Portland Timbers
Goals: David Da Costa 4′ (Portland); Denis Bouanga 79′ (LAFC).
Key performer: James Pantemis, who made 10 saves for Portland.
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