Miami (AFP) – Brazilian Evander scored a superb stoppage-time winner as the Portland Timbers continued their positive MLS start under new coach Phil Neville with a 2-1 win at New York City on Saturday.
Portland had trailed after Santiago Rodriguez fired the home side ahead at Yankee Stadium in the 10th minute, the Uruguayan drilling in off the inside of the post.
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Portland had struggled in the opening half but came out brightly after the interval, although it was not until the 85th minute that they got on level terms.
Juan Mosquera got to the byline and pulled the ball back into the path of Brazilian Antony, who coolly side-footed home.
Then in the seventh of eight minutes of stoppage time, Evander picked the ball up on the left and curled the ball brilliantly into the far top corner.
The defeat means NYCFC remain without a point after their opening three games of the campaign.
Toronto’s decision to appoint former Canada national team boss John Herdman after their dreadful campaign last season raised some eyebrows given the English coach’s lack of experience at club level.
But Herdman is certainly getting the best out of his new team, who continued their unbeaten run with a second victory of the campaign, a 1-0 win at home to Dean Smith’s Charlotte.
Italian Lorenzo Insigne, the former Napoli striker, decided the contest with a stunning long-range strike in the 80th minute.
Later on Saturday, champions Columbus Crew host Chicago and the Philadelphia Union clash with the Seattle Sounders.
© 2024 AFP
