Thrilling Draw Between Portland and LAFC

PHTO: LAFC Communications

Providence Park witnessed, perhaps, the best match of the 2025 thus far. The 3-3 draw between Portland Timbers and Los Angeles Football Club was not exempt of controversies. Two penalties, one for each team, and two Denis Bouanga goals that were called back after a VAR review were part of the excitement this game brought.

Hours before this game, Steve Cherundolo announced the 2025 season will be his last as LAFC coach. With such unexpected announcement, the Black and Gold step to Providence Park with its traditional 4-3-3 formation. Oliver Giroud was the striker. In the wings, Nathan Ordaz and Denis Bouanga did their best to impact the score. The Gabonese star scored three times, but his goal from the penalty spot was the only was that was allowed by the referees. At the first and tenth minute, Denis Bouanga received two outstanding assists by Igor Jesus and Oliver Giroud respectively; however, offside call did not allow the goals to be reflected in the score. The one at the first minute was questionable. Steve Cherundolo made that clear at the press conferences.

At the eight minute, Anthony made a great assist to Felipe Mora. The Chilean striker was fouled by Hugo Lloris. Without a meticulous review, Mora scored from the penalty spot. Santiago Moreno increased the advantage at the 42nd minute.

At the very end of the first half, Oliver Giroud scored his first Major League Soccer goal and third as an LAFC player. He did so with a free kick that touched the cross bar and ended behind the goal line.

David Martinez came to the field at the 60th minute replacing Nathan Ordan. The Venezuelan attacker impacted quickly with a goal four minutes later. A goal-pass attempt from Denis Bouanga found Martinez in front of the net. Thus, the game was tied. The very next attacking attempt by the Timbers ended with a double header by Jonathan Rodriguez and Felipe Mora, who scored his second goal of the night and gave the partial advantage to the host team.

Minutes before these goals, Rayan Hollingshead made a long-distance shot that ended in the post. Timbers´ goalkeeper James Pantemis made two outstanding saves avoiding a potential draw from the Black and Gold.

Eleven minutes of stoppage time were given. In such additional time, Denis Bouanga scored from the penalty stop. At the eight minute, the Timbers had a chance from a free kick taken by David da Costa. The ball crashed at the cross bar. Thus, a thrilling game between the Timber and the Black and Gold finished with e 3-3 draw.

Denis Bouanga penalty goal was dedicated to Aaron Bouquedza, Gabonese player who recently passed away after falling from a balcony. in China.