LAFC earned their first away point as they drew Portland Timbers 2-2 courtesy of a brace from Mateusz Bogusz after losing their first three road matches of the season in week nine of the 2024 MLS season. “A point on the road and winning at home is a recipe for success in our and any league,” head coach Steve Cherundolo expressed in his post-match assessment. The Timbers dominated the first half of the afternoon’s action, and were poised to a likely victory until their newest starting goalkeeper, former Black and Gold MLS Cup winner Maxime Crépeau received a red card at the start of the second half resulting in an equalizing free kick from Bogusz who scored a goal in the first half as well.
Things began smoothly for Portland, who’d been on a 4-match winless streak, were first to score as Felipe Mora received an assist from Evander in the 11th minute and shot into the net past a frozen Hugo Lloris who stood unable to predict the ball’s swiftly changing trajectory. But LAFC were quick to respond. LAFC evened the score in the 21st minute as Bogusz ran to capture a well-timed assist from Timothy Tillman who now has five goal contributions this season. “I’m just happy to help the team like that. I’m trying my best every day in training. There’s always stuff to improve,” Tillman proclaimed. It was a short-lived draw though. The Timbers once again led as Evander scored in the 34th minute, scoring in 3-straight matches for his side.
Yet, the match took a drastic turn in the second half when Crépeau, in his first match against his former team fouled Denís Bouanga right outside the box in the 48th minute while Bouanga was onside. The resulting mayhem led to a free kick awarded to the visitors who were desperate for their first positive road match result of the season. Crépeau was replaced by James Pantemis, who played the remainder of the afternoon down to 10-men. Bogusz’s free kick easily went over the wall and to the top-left corner of the net in the 51st minute to once again tie the score line. Bogusz now has three goals this season, equaling his record last season, and is now level with Bouanga for most goals and most assists (2) this season for his club, but he humbly stated afterwards, “we’re happy that we came back two times and are looking forward to have the next two games at home.”
Lloris ended the match with two saves. Despite LAFC’s overwhelming 13 shots at goal with efforts from Bouanga, Eduard Atuesta, and Kei Kamara, only 3 were on target, leaving ample need for improvement in their finishing. “We’ll be disappointed not to get three points, but you can never be disappointed with a point on the road, especially in Portland,” Cherundolo concluded. Now in 5th place in the Western Conference, LAFC returns home to face the New York Red Bulls on April 23rd at BMO Stadium at 7:30pm PT.
