Austin FC claimed a dramatic 2-1 Major League Soccer victory over Portland Timbers at Providence Park on Saturday night, with Oleksandr Svatok’s goal in the 90+3rd minute deciding a frantic finish.

Facundo Torres had given the visitors a deserved early edge in the 25th minute, and Austin carried that 1-0 advantage into half-time after a tightly contested opening period.

Portland found a late route back into the match when Antony converted a penalty in the 89th minute, seemingly rescuing a point for the Timbers in front of their home support. But Austin responded immediately. Svatok struck three minutes into stoppage time to restore the visitors’ lead and secure all three points.

The final scoreline was harsh on Portland’s late push. The Timbers registered 13 shots and put five on target, compared with Austin’s 10 attempts and three on target, while possession was almost perfectly even: Portland held 49.8 percent and Austin 50.2 percent. Portland also earned six corners to Austin’s three, but the visitors proved more clinical in the decisive moments.

Austin’s defensive discipline was tested throughout, with Guilherme Biro booked in the 35th minute and Mikkel Desler cautioned early in the second half. The closing stages brought further tension, as Svatok and Portland midfielder José Caicedo received yellow cards in the 88th minute before the penalty and decisive stoppage-time goal transformed the fixture.

The result moves Austin FC on from Portland with a memorable road win, while the Timbers will rue conceding so soon after drawing level. Portland return to MLS action on Saturday, September 5, against Minnesota United FC, while Austin host San Jose Earthquakes later that day.

Goals

  • 25′ – Facundo Torres (Austin FC)
  • 89′ – Antony (Portland Timbers, penalty)
  • 90+3′ – Oleksandr Svatok (Austin FC)