Evander had two goals and an assist in the Portland Timbers’ 4-2 win over the visiting Los Angeles Galaxy on Wednesday.
The Timbers (12-10-7, 43 points) are 8-0-2 in their last 10 regular-season home matches. The victory allows eighth-place Portland to keep pace in the congested Western Conference playoff race.
With 18 assists (tied for the league high) and 14 goals, Evander leads all MLS players with 32 regular-season goal contributions.
Portland’s Felipe Mora and Joseph Rodriguez each had a goal and an assist. Mora, Rodriguez and Evander share the team lead with 14 goals apiece.
Gabriel Pec and Joseph Paintsil scored for the Galaxy (16-7-7, 55 points), who missed a chance to extend their lead atop the West standings.
As expected, two of the league’s highest-scoring teams combined for plenty of offensive pressure. The Galaxy outshot the Timbers by a 24-22 margin, though Portland produced a 12-7 edge in shots on target.
The attack started early when Evander sent a long cross into the box in the 18th minute. Rodriguez raced up the middle to meet the ball and bury a header for his eighth tally in his past 10 regular-season matches.
More slick passing was on display with Portland’s next goal, as Evander finished with a strike in the 39th minute.
Los Angeles’ nightmarish first half was partially salvaged just seconds before the halftime whistle. In the third minute of added time, Pec found just enough space in the box to convert a left-footed shot.
Just when the Galaxy seemed to be gaining momentum, Evander restored the Timbers’ two-goal lead. Rodriguez was knocked down in the box in the 51st minute, but Evander was in position to deposit the loose ball.
Paintsil reduced the Galaxy’s deficit in the 59th minute, as the midfielder converted the rebound after Pec lined a shot off the goalpost. Paintsil was initially ruled offside on the play, but a video review overturned the call and awarded Paintsil his ninth goal.
Antony entered as a substitute for the Timbers in the 79th minute, and he collected an assist just a minute later. Antony’s cross from inside the box found an open Mora for the match’s final tally.
–Field Level Media
