Felipe Mora scores first Timbers goal in preseason tournament.
INDIO, Calif. – The Portland Timbers played to a 1-1 draw with New York City FC in their first match of the 2024 Coachella Valley Invitational preseason tournament on Saturday afternoon. After conceding a penalty-kick goal early in the match, Santiago Moreno combined with goal scorer Felipe Mora to level the score and tally Portland’s first goal of the tournament.
Portland’s Preseason
Today’s match marked Portland’s first of the 2024 Coachella Valley Invitational preseason tournament at the Empire Polo Club fields in Indio, California. Up next, the Timbers will take on the San Jose Earthquakes on Wednesday, Feb. 14 at 11am PT, and will close out the tournament against the Chicago Fire on Saturday, Feb. 17 at 12pm PT. The team will then return to Portland to host its regular season opener against the Colorado Rapids on February 24 at Providence Park; kickoff is set for 7:30pm PT on MLS Season Pass in the Apple TV app.
Roster Notes
Portland’s starting lineup today featured eight returning players, T2 player Jaden Jones-Riley, and Portland’s two newest Canadian international signings, goalkeeper Max Crépeau and defender Kamal Miller. Eleven Timbers substitutes came into the match in the 77th minute also featuring eight returning players, one new signing in goalkeeper James Pantemis, T2 player Sawyer Jura and a trialist. Midfielders Eryk Williamson and David Ayala returned to play after each suffering season-ending ACL injuries in April of 2023.
Goal-Scoring Plays
NYCFC – Santiago Rodriguez (penalty kick), 11th minute: NYCFC was awarded a penalty kick and Santiago Rodriguez converted the attempt into the right-side corner of the net.
POR – Felipe Mora (Santiago Moreno), 58th minute: From the left side of the 18-yard box, Santiago Moreno served a cross to the far post for Felipe Mora, who finished it in the goal with his head.
Next Game
The Timbers will play their second match of the preseason tournament on Wednesday, Feb. 14 against the San Jose Earthquakes; kickoff is set for 11 a.m. (Pacific).
2024 Coachella Valley Invitational
Portland Timbers vs. New York City FC
Feb.10, 2024 – Empire Polo Club (Indio, Calif.)
Scoring Summary:
NYCFC: Rodriguez (penalty kick), 11
POR: Mora (Moreno), 58
Misconduct Summary:
POR: Evander (caution), 38
NYCFC: Jones (caution), 54
POR: Chara (caution), 61
POR: Ayala (caution), 79
Lineup:
