Major League Soccer
Los Angeles FC salvages late draw with Portland Timbers after chaotic finish
Dje Da Costa opened scoring for Portland, Denis Bouanga equalized for LAFC, and a late red card sealed a dramatic 1-1 draw.
Los Angeles FC and Portland Timbers played out a dramatic 1-1 draw at BMO Stadium in a match that delivered late drama and a controversial sending-off in stoppage time.
The visitors struck first in the fourth minute when Dje Da Costa slotted home an early lead, capitalizing on a precise through ball from K. Velde. LAFC responded in the 79th minute as Denis Bouanga pulled one back, finishing calmly after a well-weighted pass from J. Terry.
The hosts dominated possession in the second half but struggled to break down a compact Portland defense until Bouanga’s strike. Despite their efforts, LAFC could not find a winner in regular time, leaving the score level heading into the final minutes.
Discipline frayed in the closing stages. A late flurry of bookings included yellow cards for M. Choiniere of LAFC in the 16th minute and K. Kelsy of Portland in the 31st. In the dying moments, D. Bouanga picked up a booking in the 87th before Portland’s V. Janssen was shown a second yellow card—and then a red—in the 93rd minute.
The red card sparked chaos in stoppage time, with Janssen receiving his marching orders just moments after being cautioned. Referee Jon Freemon of the USA brought play to a swift close as tempers flared near the tunnel.
For LAFC, the point lifts them to third in the Western Conference with 34 points from 21 games played. Portland, meanwhile, sits ninth in the same table after 20 matches, collecting 27 points.
Both teams will reflect on missed opportunities and officiating decisions as the season progresses. The result leaves the playoff picture tight in the West, with LAFC holding a narrow advantage over the Timbers heading into future fixtures.
The atmosphere at BMO Stadium remained electric despite the late turmoil, with home fans expressing frustration over the final dismissal while applauding their side’s resilience in securing a draw.
Looking ahead, LAFC will aim to convert draws into wins if they hope to climb higher in the conference race, while Portland must regroup quickly to avoid further slip-ups in a tightly contested division.