Ariel Lassiter’s early goal helps Portland Timbers win 0-2 at Austin

Portland strike early and finish Austin 0-2

Portland Timbers beat Austin 2-0 at Q2 Stadium, with Ariel Lassiter’s third-minute opener setting the tone. Austin controlled more of the ball and created more attempts, but Portland’s finishing and J. Pantemis’ goalkeeping secured the result.

Lassiter and Velde settle the contest

Lassiter opened the scoring at 3', converting Vincent Janssen’s assist for a 0-1 score. Austin continued to press after the interval, but Kristoffer Velde added Portland’s second goal at 70', assisted by Ian Smith, to make it 0-2. The visitors then managed the remainder of the match, with Ian Smith and Janssen substituted at 77'.

Micah Burton was booked for Austin at 57'. No red cards were recorded. Austin also made changes involving Przemyslaw Płacheta, Myrto Uzuni and Brendan Hines-Ike, while Portland introduced Cole Bassett, Jímer Fory and Alexander Aravena.

Austin had the volume, Portland had the result

Austin had 58% possession, 520 total passes and 16 shots, compared with Portland’s 42%, 391 passes and 9 shots. Austin also led 7-4 in shots on goal and recorded 9 shots inside the box to Portland’s 2. Pantemis made 7 saves, the highest rating performer with a 9.6 mark, while Austin’s expected goals were 0.68 against Portland’s 0.42.

Western Conference positions

Portland Timbers are ranked #7 with 46 points from 34 games, while Austin are #14 with 34 points from 34 games. Portland are 12 points ahead of Austin, and the result adds a win to Portland’s record and a loss to Austin’s.