Portland and Montreal Split the Points in First Matchup Since 2023, and the Timbers Are Finally Finding Their Footing

The Portland Timbers and CF Montreal left Saputo Stadium with a 2-2 draw on Wednesday night, marking their first meeting since Montreal's dominant 4-1 victory back in October 2023. For Portland, the result felt like progress, even if it wasn't a win. The Timbers grabbed points in consecutive matches for the first time all season, a sign that something is starting to click despite their road struggles.

Montreal Strikes First, But Portland Won't Go Quietly

Daniel Rios opened the scoring early for Montreal in the 11th minute, firing a right-footed strike from the top of the box into the top right corner. The Mexican forward was making his first MLS start for the Impact, and he didn't waste the opportunity. Rios had already found the back of the net against Orlando City on Saturday, so this goal gave him two in as many matches.

Portland answered back quickly. Kevin Kelsy tapped in a Kristoffer Velde cross in the 21st minute to level things up. Kelsy's been on fire lately, notching his team-leading fifth goal and adding three tallies in his past two matches alone. That's the kind of production you need when you're trying to climb the table.

Montreal Takes the Lead Again, Bassett Forces the Draw

Just before halftime, Wikelman Carmona put Montreal ahead 2-1. He received a through ball from Matty Longstaff, outran a pair of Timbers defenders, and slotted his left-footed strike past keeper James Pantemis. Montreal looked like they might run away with it.

But Cole Bassett had other ideas. In the 77th minute, the midfielder's initial shot hit the post. Instead of sulking, he stayed with the play, followed up his rebound, and beat an out-of-position Thomas Gillier to tie it at 2-2. That's the kind of determination that keeps you in matches.

Montreal nearly won it in second-half stoppage time when Prince Owusu had a chance to put one past Pantemis, but the keeper made a diving save to preserve the draw.

Where They Go From Here

Montreal (4-7-1, 13 points) remains unbeaten in four straight home matches with a 3-0-1 record at Saputo Stadium. Thomas Gillier made one save in the effort. The Impact hosts Chicago on Saturday looking to extend that home run.

Portland (4-6-2, 14 points) desperately needed this result. They've been struggling on the road with just one win in their last five away matches (1-5-1). Now they head to Miami on Sunday to see if they can build on this momentum and grab three points.

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