The opening match of this year's West 5 group in the Leagues Cup between Club León and the Portland Timbers was packed with back-and-forth action and big saves from both goalkeepers, culminating in a game-winning goal in the dying seconds. More than 21,000 fans were in attendance to witness the Portland Timbers secure all three points thanks to a brace from Zac McGraw.
The match saw some familiar faces return to the Timbers lineup, marking the first club start in two months for both Maxime Crepeau and Kamal Miller. This was one of the only times Timbers coach Phil Neville had almost every single player available for selection.
In the first few minutes of the match, Jonathan Rodriguez came close to scoring for the Timbers, but it was Jhonder Cadiz who set up Alan Medina on the other end for a stunning long-range goal, giving León the early lead.
Evander missed a clear chance in the 30th minute, failing to convert a cross meant for Rodriguez. However, Evander made up for it by delivering a phenomenal ball on a corner kick, allowing McGraw to equalize with a header in the 41st minute.
Mexican national team legend Andrés Guardado came on at halftime in his Leagues Cup debut to help León push for a win.
Crepeau made two crucial saves around the 50th minute to keep the score level.
This match also marked the first game this season where Juan Mosquera did not start, although he came into the game with just over 35 minutes remaining.
In the 58th minute, Alfonso Blanco made a big save against Felipe Mora to keep León alive.
McGraw scored his second headed goal of the night, off another corner kick, securing a dramatic victory for Portland in the closing moments of the match.
“The club being able to win that game in this fashion was a big moment,” said Neville. “These games are playoff games. There are games against a level [that is] the same if not better than the best teams in MLS”.
Leon will be in a do-or-die match versus the Colorado Rapids in a little over a week, with a 9 p.m. ET kickoff at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park and will wrap up the last game of West 5.
The Timbers will look to build on their thrilling victory in preparation for the Rapids on Thursday with a 10:30 p.m. ET kickoff.
Last season, the Timbers qualified for the Round of 32 with three points in the group stage, and they have a chance to improve on that performance this year. The momentum from McGraw’s standout performance after having what Neville described as “the worst of luck” could be a key as they continue their Leagues Cup campaign.
