It’s been a rough stretch of matches for LAFC the last couple of weeks. Coming into this match, the team are riding a two match losing run, looking to get back on track at home. They welcome a Portland Timbers side that is currently in some good form on their end, not only securing results but finding the back of the net often in their recent matches. A hot August night sets the stage in Los Angeles, for what should be an entertaining and physical matchup against Western Conference foes Timbers.
The Starting XI for #LAFCvPOR#LAFC | @BMO_US pic.twitter.com/jvE0NhZVAd
— LAFC (@LAFC) August 23, 2026
Knowing how important an opening goal is, LAFC started the match with a press that was initially suffocating Portland. They were making things awkward for the visitors and making it hard for Timbers to find space in the passing lanes. That pressure, unfortunately, only kept the red-hot Timbers at arms length for mere minutes, as it took just four before Portland had their opener. A great charge down the side of the pitch from Kristoffer Velde saw an LAFC defender jump out to help as Velde cut back into the middle of the pitch but as the defender moved up, the forward put on a great pass into the box that found David Da Costa in stride and wide open with plenty of space to get off the shot, and he did just that, converting for the early goal and Portland lead.
David Da Costa bags his third of the season!@TimbersFC are ahead early.
📺 Apple TV: https://t.co/VlqOr95LzU pic.twitter.com/6X2HpYsfmB
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) August 23, 2026
LAFC responded well as they began to take shots on goal and slowly find ways to breakdown the Portland defense in their hunt for an equalizer. The team were forced to make an early substitute in the 20th minute as midfielder Timothy Tillman had to come off with some sort of leg injury, forward Jacob Shaffelburg coming on as his replacement. Through 30 minutes, LAFC had fully regained control of the match. They had vastly more possession, though surely with the lead Portland weren’t too worried about it, but Los Angeles also had more shots (12), more attempts on target (5) and had a very hefty 17 touches in the opponent’s box. However, they didn’t have what mattered most, a goal.
Portland’s defense bent as far as it could without breaking in that first half, keeping LAFC off the scoreboard despite a barrage of chances and attempts at finding the equalizer. 19 shots were taken by the black & gold by the time the halftime whistle blew, and only five found their target in the end, with none hitting the back of the net. The second half brought on a continuation of what we saw in the first, LAFC putting the pressure on and attacking the goal. Portland keeper James Pantemis was having the match of his life it seemed, putting a stop to every attempt that came close to the goal, only making it that much more difficult to get that equalizer.
It took 79 minutes. 29 shots. 6 shots on target. 39 touches in the opponent’s box but FINALLY, Los Angeles were able to get the equalizer that at this point felt deserved. Denis Bouanga got his feet on the ball and he did what superstars do, took over. He dribbled past a handful, yes a handful, of defenders before cutting it back inside towards the middle of the box where he found just enough space to get off a shot from range that had the perfect amount of pace and curl on it to get past the keeper for a beauty of a goal.
A Bouanga Blast™️ @BouangaDenis brings us level 🚀 https://t.co/5tlWe7LvmP pic.twitter.com/l0cmhLMbnk
— LAFC (@LAFC) August 23, 2026
The equalizer was enough to help split the points for LAFC at home as the final whistle blew on what was a very frustrating match for the home side. As mentioned, they piled on the shots in a way that doesn’t happen too often for this side, and even more rare was the lack of goals despite all of the attempts. A lot of that was down to Portland’s keeper who had a match to remember. There will be no midweek matches upcoming, so the team can enjoy a week of rest before they get set for their first of what will be two matches on the road, taking on DC United next weekend.
Thoughts on the draw at home? Let us know in the comments below!