Portland and Montreal Split the Difference in First Meeting Since 2023, and Both Walk Away Frustrated

The Portland Timbers and CF Montreal played to a 2-2 draw on Wednesday night at Saputo Stadium, delivering the kind of result that feels like both teams left points on the table. This was the first matchup between these sides since October 2023, when Montreal absolutely dominated Portland 4-1. This time around, though, neither team could pull away.

Montreal Can't Seal It at Home

Daniel Rios and Wikelman Carmona scored for Montreal, which came into the match unbeaten in four straight MLS home matches at 3-0-1. Rios opened the scoring in the 11th minute with a right-footed strike from the top of the box that found the top right corner. This was Rios's second goal in as many matches after scoring the match-winner against Orlando City on Saturday in his first MLS start for Montreal.

Carmona extended the lead just before halftime, taking a through ball from Matty Longstaff, outrunning a pair of defenders, and putting a left-footed strike past Portland keeper James Pantemis. Montreal looked like they had control of the match and could have buried Portland early, but that's not how this one played out.

Timbers Battle Back From the Brink

Kevin Kelsy answered for Portland in the 21st minute, tapping in a Kristoffer Velde cross for his team-leading fifth goal. Kelsy has been on a tear lately with three goals in his past two matches. More importantly, Portland got the equalizer in the 77th minute when Cole Bassett put in his own rebound after his initial strike hit the post. Bassett followed up and slotted the rebound past an out-of-position Gillier to make it 2-2.

Portland keeper James Pantemis was huge down the stretch, making a diving save on Prince Owusu's chance in second-half stoppage time. The Timbers sit at 4-6-2 with 14 points and have struggled on the road with just one away win (1-5-1). The positive takeaway for Portland is that they now have points in consecutive matches for the first time this season.

Montreal drops to 4-7-1 with 13 points. Montreal hosts Chicago on Saturday while Portland travels to Miami on Sunday.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.