PORTLAND, Ore. — Carlos Vela had a goal and an assist in the first half to lead Los Angeles FC past the Portland Timbers 3-2 on Saturday.
Vela, Major League Soccer's goals and assists leader, helped LAFC (11-1-4) fend off Portland's late rally to end the Timbers' 15-game win streak in home openers.
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.