AUSTIN, Texas – Last night, the Portland Timbers and Club América faced off in a thrilling final Phase One match of the Leagues Cup 2025, ending in a 1-1 draw at Q2 Stadium. If you think the match was boring, you better check your pulse! This one had enough drama to make a Nollywood movie.
Portland opened the scoring in just the seventh minute with a sweet goal from Ariel Lassiter, who deftly chipped the ball past the América goalie like he was flicking away a fly. But don’t celebrate too soon, my padi! The Mexican giants weren’t ready to pack their bags just yet. In the second half, Ramón Juárez leveled things up with a header like a true champion.
The Timbers held onto their 1-0 lead until a rough patch hit when their Colombian defender, Jimer Fory, got a second yellow card and was sent packing. Omo, e be like say dem go need some eye glasses for their defense. (Small side note: That red card came just two minutes before América struck back, so talk about bad timing!)
As the match dragged on, both teams had chances to tip the scales, but nobody could find the back of the net again. So, it went to penalties – the toughest way to decide a winner. And guess what? América went all Michael Jordan on them, sinking all their kicks while Portland’s Kamal Miller unfortunately missed his turn, like that one friend who always forgets the lyrics to a popular song.
With this draw, Portland Timbers wrapped up Phase One of the Leagues Cup 2025 unbeaten with 7 points, while Club América scuffed their way to just 5 points, marking their first-time failure to reach the Knockout Stage. Who knows? Maybe they were just trying to drama it up for the fans or something.
Looking ahead, the Timbers are set to clash with FC Dallas at Toyota Stadium on Saturday, August 9. So, make sure you grab your popcorn because that one promises to be another showdown! The game kicks off at 5:30 PM PT, and you can catch all the action on MLS Season Pass or tune in on local radio.
So there you have it! The Leagues Cup continues to be full of surprises. Make sure you keep your eyes peeled (and your drinks handy) as the tournament unfolds. You never know when you might need to drown those sorrows of missed penalty kicks!
