Los Angeles FC starts defense of title with win over Portland

Los Angeles FC had to wait a week, thanks to a postponement due to inclement weather, to finally open the defense of the MLS Cup championship it won last season in thrilling fashion.

But for almost a full house at BMO Stadium in South Los Angeles, it was worth the extra few days' wait. LAFC presented championship rings to players on the team from last season, including winning goal scorer Gareth Bale (who has since retired), then the 2023 squad defeated the visiting Portland Timbers 3-2.

Giorgio Chiellini and Carlos Vela, two established international stars who helped lead LAFC (1-0-0, 3 points) to its first league title, scored goals in the first half. Kwadwo "Mahala" Opoku added the team's pivotal third goal, with Vela feeding him on a run up off the middle of the box for a mighty strike.

Chiellini collected a loose ball deep in the box and rolled a kick past Portland goalkeeper David Bingham in the 24th minute, with Kellyn Acosta delivering the assist.

LAFC had a goal disallowed in the 30th minute, but earned a penalty kick in the 33rd, soon after which Vela converted for a 2-0 lead before halftime. Vela's kick went right corner of the net.

Portland (1-1-0, 3 points) made things interesting late in the match, down 3-0 after Opoku's 52nd -minute goal. After making three substitutions in the 59th minute hoping to turn things around, the Timbers' first goal came in the 62nd minute.

Juan Mosquera dribbled upfield and crossed to the middle where teammate Cristhian Paredes allowed the ball to go through his legs, and Evander rocketed a shot past LAFC goalkeeper John McCarthy.

Paredes made it 3-2 in the 84th off a corner kick, with the ball settling to him and McCarthy out of the net. Paredes grabbed the ball out of the net to try to save time, but eventually the Timbers ran out of clock.

The Timbers were coming off a win at home over Sporting Kansas City in their season opener but dealt with a shortened week after that game was moved to last Monday due to snowy weather in the Pacific Northwest.