Kelsey's Stoppage-Time Goal Lifts Portland to First Win Since Opening Day

Kevin Kelsey scored in the second-half stoppage time to give the Portland Timbers their first victory of the 2026 MLS season, a 2-1 upset over Supporters’ Shield leaders LAFC at Providence Park.

The Venezuelan striker came off the bench as a substitute for the first time this season and delivered in the 93rd minute, ending a goal drought that had lasted 207 minutes of play. His goal capped a dramatic turnaround for the Timbers, who had lost four of their previous five games.

Portland head coach Phil Neville said he had no doubt Kelsey would come through. “I knew Kevin was going to score,” Neville said. “Because yesterday when I left him out, he said to me: 'The team is more important than me for this game tomorrow.' We've got that kind of culture.”

Kelsey’s goal was the first of his 2026 season and came after Minnesota United FC’s Kristoffer Velde opened the scoring in the 32nd minute. LAFC responded with a stunning equalizer from Jude Terry in the 48th minute. The visitors had not conceded a goal in 571 minutes of play, the fourth-longest single-season shutout streak in MLS history.

Portland’s win ended that streak and marked the first time this season any team had defeated LAFC. The Black & Gold had been unbeaten in their first six matches of the season, including a 3-0 win over Columbus Crew in their opener.

Velde, who scored the game’s opening goal, called the victory a “huge step in the right direction.” He added, “We are building something really good and we're really close to being a really good team.”

The Timbers will look to extend their momentum when they travel to Allianz Field to take on Minnesota United FC on April 18. The match will be broadcast on Apple TV at 8:30 pm ET.

“We got the three points and the team took another breath,” Kelsey said. “I think the next games will be very important, and we'll play them with a lot more confidence.”