Two Years Later, Timbers and Montreal Finally Meet and Can't Decide a Winner

The Portland Timbers and CF Montreal split the difference on Wednesday night, finishing their rare matchup in a 2-2 draw at Saputo Stadium. It was only the first time these two squads have faced off since October 2023, when Montreal dominated the Timbers 4-1. This time around, neither team could find the finishing touch when it mattered most.

Montreal Scores First, Portland Refuses to Quit

Daniel Rios got Montreal rolling early, striking from the top of the box in the 11th minute with a right-footed finish that found the top right corner. It was Rios's second goal in as many matches after scoring the winner against Orlando City on Saturday. The Mexican forward was making his first MLS start for Montreal, and he looked sharp from the opening whistle.

But Portland answered back fast. Kevin Kelsy tapped in a Kristoffer Velde cross in the 21st minute to level things up at 1-1. Kelsy now has his team-leading fifth goal on the season, and he's been on fire lately with three goals in his past two matches.

Montreal took a 2-1 lead just before halftime when Wikelman Carmona took a through ball from Matty Longstaff, beat a pair of defenders, and finished with his left foot past James Pantemis. The home side looked like they had control.

Bassett's Persistence Saves Portland's Night

Cole Bassett refused to let Portland leave empty handed. In the 77th minute, he scored off his own rebound after his initial strike hit the post. The Timbers midfielder tracked down his own miss and buried it past a caught-out-of-position Thomas Gillier to tie things up at 2-2.

Montreal nearly won it in second-half stoppage time when Prince Owusu had a chance to break the deadlock, but Pantemis came up with a diving save to preserve the draw. In the end, both teams walked away with a point.

What's Next

Montreal (4-7-1, 13 points) stays unbeaten at home in their past four matches and hosts the Chicago Fire on Saturday. The Timbers (4-6-2, 14 points) finally have points in consecutive matches for the first time all season, though they continue to struggle on the road with just one away win (1-5-1). Portland heads 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.