PORTLAND, Ore. — In a thrilling encounter, Christian Ramírez found the back of the net late during the second half, allowing the reigning champions, Los Angeles Galaxy, to secure their first point of the season with a 1-1 tie against the Portland Timbers on a sunny Sunday afternoon.
This match marked Ramírez’s inaugural goal in his first season with the Galaxy (0-3-1), arriving in the 81st minute. Known for his tenacity and skill, Ramírez has accumulated 52 goals over his career, spanning five different teams. Defender Mathias “Zanka” Jørgensen provided the assist, his first in the league during only his second start and third overall appearance.
Portland gained the lead initially, thanks to a goal from Felipe Mora in the 49th minute, marking his first goal of the season and his 40th career goal for the Timbers (1-2-1). Rookie midfielder David Da Costa was credited with his first career assist, adding to his impressive performance in just his third start and fourth overall game.
James Pantemis excelled as the goalkeeper for the Timbers by stopping three shots on goal. Pantemis recently captivated fans by saving two first-half penalty shots during a 0-2 defeat against Nashville SC, standing alongside Tony Meola (2002 with Kansas City Wizards) as a goalkeeper who managed two penalty saves in a single half.
In his first start of the season, Galaxy’s John McCarthy managed to save three shots, shutting down the Timbers in a scoreless first half.
Seventeen-year-old Portland defender Harbor Miller, displaying youthful exuberance, started his second career match and received his first yellow card just two minutes before Mora’s goal.
The Galaxy have been strong against the Timbers recently, boasting a 4-1-4 record in their last nine encounters and leading the all-time series with a 15-14-10 advantage.
Looking ahead, the Galaxy are set to face Minnesota United this coming Saturday, while the Timbers prepare for a matchup against the Colorado Rapids on the same day.
