Despite Brian Fernandez’s fourth goal in three appearances, the Portland Timbers lost 3-2 to Los Angeles FC in their first match at the renovated Providence Park.
Things took a bizarre turn for the Timbers seven minutes into the match when, after collecting the ball in the box, Jeff Attinella looked for a quick pass to start the attack, but instead of finding Jorge Villafana with the ball, he served it directly to Golden Boot leader and likely MVP Carlos Vela instead. With only Attinella between him and the goal, Vela carried the ball forward and coolly slotted it home at the near post before the other twenty players on the pitch could work out just what had happened.