PORTLAND, Ore. — The Portland Timbers achieved a 3-1 victory over the Houston Dynamo at Providence Park, courtesy of Antony Alves Santos’ two-goal performance and Felipe Mora’s integral goal and two assists.
The Timbers took an early advantage, with Mora finding the net in the 6th minute after receiving a decisive pass from Santiago Moreno. This marked Mora’s second goal this season and his 41st over 105 career matches. Meanwhile, Moreno added another assist to his tally, reaching his second of the season and 37th in his five seasons with Portland.
The Dynamo quickly responded in the 12th minute as defender Franco Escobar tied the game. Escobar capitalized on an assist by Jack McGlynn for his first goal of the season. Escobar has now recorded five of his eight career goals with the Dynamo over three seasons. McGlynn, at just 20 years old, secured his second assist in MLS this season, previously accumulating seven goals and 13 assists during his time with the Philadelphia Union.
The Timbers reclaimed their lead in the 23rd minute when Mora assisted Antony’s precise strike from the center of the box. Mora further contributed to the team’s success, setting up Antony for another goal in the 71st minute, solidifying Portland’s lead. Antony’s consistent performance brought his career total to 11 goals in 48 appearances, while Mora recorded his first two assists of the campaign, amassing a career total of 17 assists.
James Pantemis remained in goal for the Timbers’ second consecutive victory, yet he wasn’t tasked with any saves during the match.
Houston’s rookie goalkeeper Blake Gillingham made his first professional start, concluding the match with eight saves. The 22-year-old entered the scene the previous week, playing the last 23 minutes of a scoreless draw against the Seattle Sounders following an injury to Jimmy Maurer.
The Dynamo are still searching for their first win of the season, sharing the Western Conference’s bottom ranks with defending champions Los Angeles Galaxy and Sporting Kansas City.
Looking ahead, the Dynamo will aim for success against Los Angeles FC at home this Saturday, while the Timbers prepare to face Austin FC on the same day.