Major League Soccer
Los Angeles FC held to late draw by Portland Timbers after Victory Janssen red card
Dany Da Costa gave Portland the lead early before Denis Bouanga equalised for LAFC, with Victory Janssen seeing red late on as the hosts were held at BMO Stadium.
Los Angeles FC were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw at BMO Stadium after a lively finish saw Portland Timbers salvage a point, with Victory Janssen's late red card capping a tense conclusion.
The visitors started brightly, taking the lead in the fourth minute through Dany Da Costa, who slid home from close range after a dangerous ball in from K. Velde. Los Angeles FC struggled to find rhythm in the opening period and went into the break trailing by a goal.
The hosts created chances throughout the second half and finally found a leveller in the 79th minute when Denis Bouanga fired home a well-worked goal, with J. Terry providing the assist. The equaliser sparked renewed energy in the home crowd, sensing a potential winner.
Tempers flared in the closing stages as the game grew physical. Dany Bouanga picked up a yellow card for Los Angeles FC in the 87th minute, while Portland's Victory Janssen was booked twice in stoppage time, the second yellow card becoming a red after a late challenge.
Despite the numerical advantage, Los Angeles FC could not find a winner in the remaining minutes. The result leaves them in third place in the Western Conference on 34 points after 21 games.
Portland Timbers remain ninth in the conference standings, sitting on 27 points from 20 matches. Their resolute display, particularly in the early stages, earned them a valuable point on the road.
Referee Jon Freemon managed a contentious affair, with six yellow cards and one red card issued across a physical final half-hour.
Both sides will look to regroup quickly as the regular season continues, with Los Angeles FC hoping to turn draws into wins and Portland aiming to climb the table.