Portland Timbers Edge Red Bulls in Hard-Fought 2–1 Victory at Providence Park

By Adam Luna

The Portland Timbers claimed a valuable home win on Saturday night, defeating the New York Red Bulls 2–1 in a tense battle that saw both teams create chances but the hosts ultimately prove more clinical. Goals from Matías Rojas and Antony Alves Santos powered Portland past Emil Forsberg’s equalizer, ensuring the Timbers walked away with all three points.

First Half: Timbers Strike First

The match opened with intensity, as both sides pushed forward with early attempts. Felipe Mora and Antony Alves Santos both went close for Portland, while Emil Forsberg and Wikelman Carmona looked lively for New York.

The breakthrough arrived in the 28th minute. A well-worked move ended with Kristoffer Velde lofting a ball into the box, and Matías Rojas rose above the defense to head powerfully into the top corner, giving Portland a 1–0 lead. The Red Bulls tried to respond before the interval through Forsberg and Carmona, but James Pantemis was sharp in goal for the Timbers. The hosts took their narrow lead into halftime.

Second Half: Drama Unfolds

New York made changes at the break, bringing on Gustav Berggren and Ronald Donkor to add energy. The visitors started the half brightly, forcing Pantemis into several stops. Their persistence paid off in the 70th minute, when Emil Forsberg found space in the box and calmly slotted a low right-footed strike past Pantemis to level the score at 1–1.

The goal sparked the Timbers back into action. Just three minutes later, Portland responded in emphatic fashion. A flowing attack down the right saw Juan Mosquera deliver into the box, where Kevin Kelsy smartly laid the ball off. Antony Alves Santos arrived in stride and fired home from close range, restoring Portland’s advantage at 2–1.

The Red Bulls threw numbers forward in search of another equalizer, with Raheem Edwards and substitute Noah Eile going close. Edwards forced Pantemis into a low save in the 76th minute, while Eile’s header in stoppage time drifted just wide of the post. Portland held firm under pressure to secure the victory.

Key Performers

• Matías Rojas (Portland Timbers): Opened the scoring with a perfectly placed header, also dictated play with his set pieces.

• Antony Alves Santos (Portland Timbers): Scored the match-winning goal with composure, provided a constant outlet on the wing.

• Emil Forsberg (New York Red Bulls): The visitors’ most dangerous player, scoring the equalizer and creating several opportunities.

• James Pantemis (Portland Timbers): Made crucial saves in both halves to preserve the lead.

Final Thoughts

It was a hard-fought contest at Providence Park, with Portland showing resilience to respond quickly after conceding. The Red Bulls had their moments and will feel unlucky not to have grabbed a second goal, but Portland’s efficiency in key moments made the difference.

Final Score: Portland Timbers 2–1 New York Red Bulls