Club América Secures Penalty Shootout Win After 1-1 Draw Against Portland Timbers
In a thrilling and closely contested Leagues Cup 2025 match, Club América emerged victorious over the Portland Timbers with a 5-3 win in a penalty shootout, following a 1-1 draw in regulation time. The match, a critical “Phase One” game for both teams, was played at a neutral venue, Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas. The result saw América advance in the tournament, while the Timbers, despite an admirable effort, saw their Leagues Cup campaign come to an end.
Early Lead and Timbers’ Defensive Resolve
The Timbers, known for their structured and disciplined play, took an early lead in the 7th minute when Ariel Lassiter scored a goal. This was part of a broader defensive strategy that saw them concede only one goal throughout the entire Phase One of the tournament, tied for the fewest among all teams. Their goalkeeper, James Pantemis, was a key figure, anchoring a backline that absorbed sustained pressure from the aggressive América offense. However, the Timbers’ resolve was tested when Jimer Fory received a red card in the second half, forcing them to play with a man down.
América’s Comeback and Shootout Success
Capitalizing on their numerical advantage, Club América found their equalizer in the 53rd minute. Brian Rodríguez delivered an in-swinging corner kick to Ramón Juárez del Castillo, who headed the ball into the net to level the score at 1-1. Despite both teams having chances throughout the rest of the match, no further goals were scored, leading to a penalty shootout to determine who would earn the extra point.
In the shootout, América showed their experience and composure, converting all five of their attempts. Portland, on the other hand, missed one of their penalties, leading to the 5-3 final result. The victory was a crucial one for the Mexican side, which had entered the match as pre-match favorites but had struggled with consistency in their earlier group stage games.
Looking Ahead for Both Clubs
For the Portland Timbers, the 1-1 draw in regulation capped off a respectable group stage performance where they finished with an unbeaten record. However, the loss in the penalty shootout ultimately meant they were eliminated from the Leagues Cup. The team will now shift its focus back to the MLS season, where they will look to integrate new signings and build on their strong defensive foundation as they push for a playoff spot. For Club América, the win was a testament to their firepower and ability to perform under pressure. It keeps them in contention for the Leagues Cup title and provides a much-needed boost of momentum as they continue their tournament run.
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