Timbers and CF Montreal Split the Points in First Meeting Since 2023

Portland and Montreal played to a 2-2 draw Wednesday night at Saputo Stadium, delivering a tight MLS matchup that had both teams scratching their heads by the final whistle. This was only the first time these two sides have faced off since October 2023, when Montreal dominated Portland 4-1, so the attacking back-and-forth was a refreshing change of pace.

Montreal Strikes First, But Portland Answers Immediately

Daniel Rios got Montreal on the board early, firing a right-footed strike from the top of the box into the top right corner in the 11th minute. Rios was making his first MLS start for the Impact and scored his second goal in as many matches after netting the winner against Orlando City on Saturday.

Portland didn't waste time responding. Kevin Kelsy tapped in a Kristoffer Velde cross just 10 minutes later in the 21st minute for his team-leading fifth goal. Kelsy has been on an absolute tear lately with three goals in his last two matches.

Montreal Takes the Lead, Bassett Earns the Draw

Wikelman Carmona gave Montreal a 2-1 halftime lead when he collected a through ball from Matty Longstaff just before the break, outran a pair of Portland defenders, and slotted his left-footed strike past keeper James Pantemis.

The Timbers weren't done fighting, though. Cole Bassett tied things up in the 77th minute when his initial strike hit the post, and he was right there to bury the rebound past an out-of-position Thomas Gillier. In stoppage time, Montreal's Prince Owusu nearly grabbed the winner, but Pantemis came up with a diving save to preserve the draw.

What's Next

Montreal (4-7-1, 13 points) is unbeaten in four straight home matches at 3-0-1, with Gillier making one save in the draw. Portland (4-6-2, 14 points) has just one away win this season (1-5-1), but this point marks their first consecutive matches with points. The Timbers host Miami on Sunday while Montreal welcomes Chicago Fire on Saturday.

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