Portland Timbers x Austin FC

Portland Timbers defenders Dario Zuparic and Claudio Bravo scored goals to help their team secure a 2-2 draw against Austin FC on Saturday night at Providence Park.

In the 33rd minute, a goal by a Brazilian and a Croatian would break the tie. Evander, a Portland midfielder, picked up a clearing on the left flank from Austin and fired a pinpoint cross into the box, aimed toward the far post. Dario Zuparic, the defense's towering center-back, towered over Adam Lundqvist and sent a powerful header past Stuver. In the 33rd minute, Zuparic scored his first goal of the 2023 season to put the Timbers up by one.

Just before the 60th minute of play, Austin's Jon Gallagher scored the equalizer for the away team.

While keeping possession for a large spell, Evander saw a wide-open Claudio Bravo waiting in the box for the Timbers. After collecting the ball from Evander, Bravo took a single step forward before unleashing a left-footed low rocket that skimmed over the ground and past Stuver's lower right. The left-back scored his first goal for the Timbers, putting them up 2-1 with less than 20 minutes to go.

Austin FC pressed forward in a bid to secure a road victory and rescue some points. Will Bruin's header gave them a share of the spoils two minutes into extra time.

With the score tied at 2, Portland made one last desperate attempt with a few corner kicks before the game was called at one point apiece.

[Photography by Hector Mendoza]