Denis Bouanga’s 79th-minute equaliser salvaged a deserved point for LAFC as they drew 1-1 with the Portland Timbers in Major League Soccer action at BMO Stadium on Saturday night.
Portland struck with the match barely underway. David Da Costa put the Timbers ahead in the 4th minute, giving the visitors an early advantage and a defensive platform from which to frustrate an increasingly dominant LAFC side.
LAFC controlled the territorial battle for long stretches, finishing with 60.8 percent possession, 34 shots and 11 efforts on target. Portland, by contrast, produced eight shots and only two on target, but their early goal ensured they remained firmly in the contest.
The hosts kept pressing through the second half and finally found the breakthrough when Bouanga scored in the 79th minute to make it 1-1. It was the reward for LAFC’s persistent attacking pressure, with the home side also earning 12 corners to Portland’s none.
The closing stages were tense. Bouanga was booked in the 86th minute, while Portland substitute Vincent Janssen received a yellow card in the 89th minute before being sent off in stoppage time at 90+3′. The Timbers nevertheless held on through the remainder of added time to take a hard-earned draw from Los Angeles.
LAFC’s next fixture is at home to D.C. United on Saturday, August 29. Portland return home the same day to face Austin FC.
Goals
- Portland Timbers: David Da Costa, 4′
- LAFC: Denis Bouanga, 79′
