Portland and Montreal Split the Difference in Their First Meeting Since 2023

The Portland Timbers and CF Montreal couldn't be separated on Wednesday night, battling to a 2-2 draw in MLS regular season action at Saputo Stadium. This was the first time these two teams faced off since October 2023, when Montreal dominated the Timbers 4-1. This time around, neither side could find the breakthrough.

Montreal Strikes First, Portland Answers Back

Daniel Rios got Montreal on the board early, ripping a right-footed strike from the top of the box into the top right corner in the 11th minute. It was a strong start for the Mexican forward, who was making his first MLS start for the club after scoring the match-winner against Orlando City on Saturday just two matches in.

Portland answered back quickly in the 21st minute when Kevin Kelsy tapped in a Kristoffer Velde cross for his team-leading fifth goal. The momentum was swinging. Kelsy has been on fire lately, already with three goals in his past two matches.

Carmona Puts Montreal Back Ahead at the Half

Montreal regained the lead just before halftime when Wikelman Carmona took a through ball from Matty Longstaff, outran a pair of defenders, and fired a left-footed strike past James Pantemis to make it 2-1. Carmona had a chance to extend that lead in the 32nd minute but put a low strike from just outside the area wide of the goal.

Portland wasn't done, though. Cole Bassett tied it up in the 77th minute after his initial strike hit the post. He was there for the rebound, putting it past an out-of-position Thomas Gillier to even things at 2-2.

Montreal nearly grabbed the winner in second-half stoppage time when Prince Owusu got a chance, but Pantemis made a diving save to keep it level. Pantemis finished with six saves while Gillier made one.

Where Things Stand

Montreal improves to 4-7-1 with 13 points and stays unbeaten in their last four MLS home matches at 3-0-1. Portland sits at 4-6-2 with 14 points, and this result gives them points in consecutive matches for the first time this season, though they're still searching for consistency on the road with just one away win (1-5-1).

Montreal hosts the Chicago Fire 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.