Daniel Rios Makes His MLS Debut Count, but Portland Leaves Montreal with a Split

It's been two and a half years since these teams last faced off, and Wednesday night at Saputo Stadium proved why this matchup matters: CF Montreal and the Portland Timbers played to a 2-2 draw in MLS regular-season action that felt like both teams left points on the table.

Montreal's Daniel Rios made an immediate impact in his first MLS start. The Mexican forward 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 he scored the match-winner against Orlando City just four days earlier. For a guy making his debut, that's the kind of statement performance you want to make.

Kelsy Stays Hot, Bassett Stays Hungry

Portland didn't waste time answering back. Kevin Kelsy equalized in the 21st minute, tapping in a Kristoffer Velde cross for his team-leading fifth goal of the season. The guy is on fire right now with three goals in his last two matches.

Montreal regained the lead just before halftime when Wikelman Carmona took a through ball from Matty Longstaff, beat a pair of defenders, and buried his left-footed strike past Portland keeper James Pantemis. It looked like Montreal had control of this thing heading into the break.

Cole Bassett had other ideas. In the 77th minute, Bassett put in his own rebound after his initial strike hit the post, sliding the loose ball past an out-of-position Thomas Gillier to tie it up 2-2. From that point on, both teams had chances but couldn't find the back of the net.

What This Draw Means

Montreal (4-7-1, 13 points) is unbeaten in four straight home matches at Saputo Stadium, going 3-0-1 in that stretch. For a team that's been grinding early in the season, that's solid work at home. Keeper Gillier made one save.

Portland (4-6-2, 14 points) picked up points in consecutive matches for the first time this season, though they're still struggling on the road with just one away win in five tries (1-5-1). Pantemis made six saves and kept the Timbers in a match they could've easily lost.

Montreal hosts Chicago on Saturday. 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.