The Portland Timbers topped Group F with a 2-2 draw against LAFC on Thursday night. Here are three things we learned.
First place in Group F was on the line on Thursday night when Los Angeles FC and the Portland Timbers faced each other on the final Matchday of the MLS is Back Tournament group stage. All the Timbers needed was a draw to ensure that they would qualify as group winners. LAFC, meanwhile, were poised to continue their winning ways after a resounding 6-2 victory over rivals, the LA Galaxy.
Goals from Bradley Wright-Phillips and Mark-Anthony Kaye handed LAFC a 2-1 lead, but a late Jeremy Ebobisse header tied the match up at 2-2 to secure the Portland Timbers’ place as group winners.
Here are three things we learned.
3. Is Pablo Sisniega the new number one?
For the second consecutive match, Pablo Sisniega was named the starting goalkeeper for LAFC. Kenneth Vermeer had been the main man in goal up until Saturday’s match against the LA Galaxy, but after several mistakes and shaky moments, especially with the ball at his feet, he was dropped.
Given that Vermeer only arrived in the offseason, it was a little surprising to see him dropped so soon. However, Sisniega produced a strong performance against the Galaxy to lead LAFC to a 6-2 victory and followed it up here with another start.
Admittedly, he did have some nervy moments and almost conceded an early goal when he had his clearance up the pitch blocked. To say he has won the starting goalkeeper battle would be premature at this point, then. But he seems to be the current number one and could yet further cement his place in the starting line-up with a good performance against the Seattle Sounders in the Round of 16 clash.