Rodriguez sets the tone early
Six minutes in, Brian Rodriguez curled a right-footed free kick from 30 yards into the top-left corner, and Club America had the start they wanted at Providence Park. The visitors never trailed after that, beating the Portland Timbers 3-1 overnight to reach a perfect six points from two Leagues Cup matches.
America’s control showed in the raw numbers. The Liga MX side registered 15 shots to Portland’s 10, worked the home goalkeeper harder as the match wore on, and took command of the second half once the game reopened.
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Velde keeps his streak alive
Portland had their answer before the interval. In the 19th minute Kristoffer Velde intercepted a loose pass from the America goalkeeper, drove into the box, cut past two defenders and slotted a low left-footed finish into an empty net. It was the Norwegian’s first Leagues Cup goal and stretched his run to a goal contribution in five straight matches across all competitions, his 12th of the year.
The parity did not survive the hour. Isaias Violante restored the lead in the 63rd minute, pouncing on a rebound off the post to finish first time. Oscar Perea then killed the tie in the 88th, running onto a one-on-one chance and beating the keeper at the near post.
What it means for Phase One
The result ended Portland’s five-match unbeaten run across all competitions and left Jack Cassidy’s side at 1-1-0. America, now 2-0-0, move into strong shape with the top four MLS clubs and top four Liga MX sides advancing to the quarter-finals. Newcomer Vincent Janssen came off the bench for his Timbers debut in front of 20,897 fans.
Portland close Phase One on Thursday against Club Tijuana, needing a result to keep their knockout hopes alive. America, sitting on maximum points and carrying real attacking threat, already look built to go deep.
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