15.JPG)
In a commanding performance on Saturday night, the Portland Timbers ended Real Salt Lake's (RSL) club-record 10-match unbeaten streak on the road with a 3-0 triumph at Providence Park. Felipe Mora opened the scoring in the third minute, while Santiago Moreno added a second goal three minutes into the second half, and Evander capped the victory with a late goal in the final minute of regulation.
The Timbers’ win, which boosted their record to 10-8-6, marked Real Salt Lake's (12-4-7) second defeat in their last 19 matches. RSL's last road loss came in the season opener against Inter Miami. Portland's quick lead was established by Mora, who netted his 11th goal of the season thanks to Moreno’s 10th assist.
Moreno, assisted by Evander and Jonathan Rodríguez, struck in the 48th minute, bringing his season tally to five goals. Evander's contribution didn’t end there as he later scored his 11th goal of the season with a pass from Antony Alves Santos, who earned his fourth assist.
James Pantemis excelled in goal for the Timbers, securing his fourth clean sheet in his 11th start, and stifling RSL's high-scoring trio. Cristian "Chicho" Arango, who had 17 goals and 11 assists, along with Andrés Gómez and Diego Luna, were kept at bay. Despite their prolific season, RSL couldn't break through Pantemis' defense.
Rodríguez, Mora, and Evander’s season performances are notable, as each player has scored 11 goals, marking the first time in club history the Timbers have had three players with 10-plus goals in a single season.
RSL goalkeeper Zac MacMath made four saves in the match. Despite the loss, RSL remains in a three-way tie for first place in the Western Conference with Los Angeles FC and the LA Galaxy, all of whom lost on Saturday.
Both teams face crucial upcoming matches, with RSL traveling to Los Angeles FC on Wednesday and the Timbers heading to play the LA Galaxy on Saturday.
Off the field, the MLS Disciplinary Committee issued fines related to a mass confrontation during the match. Portland players involved, including Claudio Bravo, Miguel Araujo, Dario Zuparic, Juan Mosquera, Evander, Eryk Williamson, and Felipe Mora, were fined. RSL's Alexandros Katranis, Andrés Gómez, and Cristian Arango also faced fines, along with their head coach Pablo Mastroeni, who received an undisclosed fine for the team's second violation of the season.
Other disciplinary actions included fines for FC Cincinnati's Miles Robinson, Atlanta United's Stian Gregersen, and Columbus Crew's Marino Hinestroza for not leaving the field promptly during their respective matches.
Portland's victory not only disrupted RSL's impressive run but also solidified the Timbers as a formidable force in the Western Conference as the season progresses.
