Kelsy’s Stoppage-Time Winner Lifts Portland Timbers Over LAFC

Kevin Kelsy came off the bench to score a dramatic stoppage-time winner as Portland Timbers edged Los Angeles FC 2–1 in MLS regular-season play on matchday 7.

Portland struck first in the 32nd minute. Kristoffer Velde finished off a well-worked move, converting after a pass from Cole Bassett to give the hosts a 1–0 lead. The early stages had already been heated: Jimer Fory was booked for Portland in the 7th minute, while LAFC’s Matthew Evans saw yellow on 14 minutes.

MLS

Sat, Apr 11, 2026 20:45

Timbers

2-1

Los Angeles FC

FT

LAFC responded shortly after halftime. In the 49th minute, Jude Terry levelled the match at 1–1, finding the net following an assist from Evans. The visitors had already been forced into an early change, with goalkeeper Thomas Hasal replaced by Cabral Carter around the half-hour mark, and later refreshed their midfield and attack with a series of substitutions, including Timothy Tillman and Marky Delgado.

The second half grew increasingly physical. Artem Smoliakov (58′) and Marc Dos Santos (90′) were booked for LAFC, while Velde picked up a yellow card on 82 minutes for Portland. The Timbers turned to their bench, introducing Ian Smith, Alexander Aravena and, crucially, Kelsy in the closing stages, along with Ariel Lassiter and veteran Diego Chará.

The decisive moment arrived deep into stoppage time. In the 90+6th minute, Kelsy made his impact count, scoring to restore Portland’s lead at 2–1 after being set up by Brandon Bye. The late goal sealed all three points for the Timbers in a tightly contested encounter.

Further detailed match statistics such as possession, shots or lineups were not available in the provided data.

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