Vancouver Whitecaps FC produced a remarkable late comeback to defeat Portland Timbers 3–2 in MLS regular-season action on matchday 6, overturning a 2–1 deficit with two stoppage-time goals.
The hosts made a dream start in the sixth minute. Goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka turned provider, launching a ball that set up Edier Ocampo to finish and give Vancouver a 1–0 lead.
Portland responded before the interval. In the 36th minute, Juan Mosquera struck to level the score at 1–1. The Timbers then seized control in first-half stoppage time: at 45+2, David Pereira da Costa put the visitors ahead, finishing off a move assisted by Mosquera to make it 2–1.
The second half featured a series of substitutions as both sides searched for an edge. Vancouver introduced Emmanuel Sabbi at the break, later followed by Bruno Caicedo and Rayan Elloumi, while Portland turned to Brandon Bye, Felipe Mora, Diego Chará and Alexander Aravena from the bench.
Discipline briefly came into focus when Mathías Laborda was booked for Vancouver in the 68th minute, with Diego Chará receiving a yellow card for Portland on 80 minutes. No further major incidents are recorded until stoppage time, when the match was turned on its head.
In the 90th minute plus one, Vancouver were awarded a penalty, and Thomas Müller converted from the spot to bring the score back to 2–2. The Whitecaps then completed the comeback at 90+5, as Sebastian Berhalter struck what proved to be the decisive goal for a dramatic 3–2 victory.
The win gives Vancouver a valuable three points in the MLS regular season, while Portland are left to reflect on a match they led until deep into added time. Aside from the listed goals, bookings and substitutions, detailed match events are not available.
For more on this match, visit the full report on Ballaxy: Vancouver Whitecaps FC vs Portland Timbers.
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