Portland Timbers 2-2 LAFC: Player ratings as Black and Gold held to draw against 10 men
- The Timbers went in front twice but LAFC managed to find equalizers on both occasions
- Mateusz Bogusz added an impressive brace that included a stunning free kick
- Maxime Crepeau was sent off for a challenge on Denis Bouanga early in the second half
Matuesz Bogusz bagged a brace while Maxime Crepeau was sent off against his former club in LAFC's 2-2 draw against Portland Timbers in MLS regular-season action.
The two Western Conference sides didn't disappoint in their first meeting of 2024 as both clubs contain some of the best attacking units in all of Major League Soccer.
The hosts struck first just after 10 minutes played at Providence Park. Portland's midfield maestro Evander unlocked the Black and Gold's defense with a simple curled pass that soared right over the penalty spot before Felipe Mora got the slightest of touches on the ball to guide it into the goal. LAFC's Jesus Murillo wasn't aware of Mora's run in behind as the Timers went 1-0 up.
Roughly 10 minutes later, the visitors would respond and bring the game to level terms after putting the Timber's defense under pressure. The goal was coming for LAFC, as Tim Tillman put on his playmaking boots to play Bogusz through on goal. The Poland international found the back of the net with a clever strike that kissed the inside of the far post to even things up.
Evander added his second goal contribution of the afternoon in emphatic fashion to put the home side back in front. Instead of Evander playing a ball over the top of the LAFC defense, this time it was Juan Mosquera who got in on the playmaking duties. Portland's No. 10 powered home a strike that rocketed into the roof of the net and right over Hugo Lloris.
The second half started off in nightmare fashion for Portland despite holding a 2-1 advantage. Denis Bouanga was through on goal after an over-the-top through ball from Eduard Atuesta, and the 2023 Golden Boot winner took a touch to get around Crepeau -- but the ex-LAFC goalkeeper was shown a straight red card after taking out Boaunga on the edge of his own penalty area.
Things got even worse for the host when LAFC knotted things up at two apiece following Crepeau's dismissal. Bogusz stepped up to take the free kick that Bouanga won, and the 22-year-old couldn't have struck it any better as Portland's backup goalkeeper James Pantemis was rooted to the spot.
Neither side were able to find a breakthrough in the final 40 minutes of normal time, as LAFC will be frustrated they weren't able to find a winner despite having a numerical advantage over the Timbers for a large chunk of the game.
LAFC player ratings ( 4-3-3 )
GK: Hugo Lloris - 5/10 - His defense didn't help him at all but you still expect a top-notch shot-stopper like him to at least get a glove to one of the strikes.
RB: Sergi Palencia - 7.5/10 - LAFC's second-best player on the pitch that was solid in attack while also tracking back to fulfill his defensive duties.
CB: Jesus Murillo - 6/10 - Fell asleep in the backline for the opening goal as he allowed Mora to sneak in behind.
CB: Aaron Long - 5/10 - All over the shop in defense leaving acres of space for the likes of Evander and Mora to exploit.
LB: Ryan Hollingshead - 6/10 - Started bright with a clever run through the Portland defense but failed to track his man on the Timbers' second goal.
CM: Tim Tillman - 7.5/10 - Pulled the strings from the midfield to help open the scoring.
CM: Ilie Sanchez - 7/10 - Kept things in check in the midfield with another excellent showing.
CM: Eduard Atuesta - 6.5/10 - Played his part in the team's second goal with a lovely over-the-top pass that was perfectly-weighted for Bouanga.
RW: Cristian Olivera - 6/10 - Went through a sluggish start and never really got into a rhythm as the game unfolded.
ST: Mateusz Bogusz - 9/10 - Kept his composure with a calm finish on his weak foot that left Maxime Crepeau no chance of saving. His converted free kick wasn't too shabby, either.
LW: Denis Bouanga - 5.5/10 - Missed a huge chance from point-blank range in the first half to put LAFC in front and was just lacking sharpness.
Substitutes
ST: Kei Kamara (63' for Sanchez) - 6/10 - Didn't offer much up front after coming on.
LB: Omar Campos (63' for Palencia) - 6.5/10 - Had a few nice moments on the ball after being brought into the contest.
ST: Nathan Ordaz (86' for Olivera) - N/A
Manager
Steve Cherundolo - 7.5/10 - His LAFC side looked like the one that was so dominant in 2023 for large parts of the game, but lapses in concentration hindered their ability to grab a foothold in the contest and ultimately collect all three points.