Timbers Draw 2-2 with LAFC, Win Group F and Advance to Knockout Round

Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images

The Portland Timbers faced off with LAFC in the final game of the Group stage in the MLS is Back tournament. Portland came into the match needing either a draw or a win in order to lock down the #1 seed in Group F.

Timbers got on the board early after Jaroslaw Niezgoda found himself on a breakaway through the LAFC defense, where he finished with his left foot to put Portland up 1-0 in the 7th minute. Mike Donovan pointed out that the goal was the earliest goal scored by the Timbers since July 28th, 2018 when Sebastian Blanco also scored in the 7th minute.

Earliest goal for Timbers in an MLS match since July 28, 2018 when Sebastian Blanco also scored in the 7th minute. #RCTID https://t.co/jgRZa5NlUR

— Mike Donovan (@TheMikeDonovan) July 24, 2020

In the 36th minute, LAFC’s Bradley Wright-Phillips blasted one past keeper Steve Clark to draw level.

🚀🚀🚀@BWPNINENINE WITH AUTHORITY. #LAFCvPOR 1-1 pic.twitter.com/2NDxKZmtoh

— LAFC (@LAFC) July 24, 2020

It wasn’t too long after that LAFC was able to put themselves in position to take the lead with a corner kick. Mark-Anthony Kaye closed in on the ball heading to the far corner and was able to knock in the go-ahead goal with a beautiful header in the top right corner.

🇺🇾➡️🇨🇦🎯#LAFCvPOR 2-1 pic.twitter.com/mfM03Zluxz

— LAFC (@LAFC) July 24, 2020

Timbers went into the break down a goal, looking to at least earn a draw in order to earn the first place seed from Group F.

Down 2-1 at the break. All to play for in the second half.#LAFCvPOR | #RCTID pic.twitter.com/xVZYdJGYdB

— Portland Timbers (@TimbersFC) July 24, 2020

The second half was back and forth with no scoring until the 81st minute when Bill Tuiloma and Jeremy Ebobisse used their heads put Portland in position to tie it up. Ebobisse finished with a header past LAFC keeper Pablo Sisniega, and Portland was now in position to earn the top seed if they could hang on at 2-2.

Bill Tuiloma and @kingjebo using their heads.#LAFCvPOR | #RCTID pic.twitter.com/Uk0SKIcmjE

— Portland Timbers (@TimbersFC) July 24, 2020

The Timbers did just that and held on for the 2-2 draw, earning them the top seed from Group F. They will now have a date with FC Cincinnati on Tuesday July 28th.

Pre-game begins at 7 p.m. right here on 750 The Game.