Vela scored in the 6th minute after intercepting a pass from Portland goalkeeper Jeff Attinella. He found Diego Rossi on a cross for a goal that made it 2-0 in the 34th minute
Portland didn't go away. Christhian Paredes scored less than two minutes into the second half on a goalkeeper deflection as the Timbers pulled within a goal. But LAFC's Latif Blessing countered in the 54th minute with a wide-open volley off of a cross.
Brian Fernandez scored on a bicycle kick inside the six-yard box to pull Portland within 3-2 in the 85th minute. It was Fernandez's fourth goal in three appearances with the Timbers since he was acquired as a designated player on May 6.