LAFC Vs Portland Timbers: 3 things we learned – Timbers top Group F

LAFC, Portland Timbers, Jeremy Ebobisse (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
LAFC, Portland Timbers, Jeremy Ebobisse (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
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REUNION, FLORIDA – JULY 23: Jaroslaw Niezgoda #11 of Portland Timbers celebrates after scoring the opening goal of the match against Los Angeles FC as part of Group F of MLS Is Back Tournament at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex on July 23, 2020 in Reunion, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
REUNION, FLORIDA – JULY 23: Jaroslaw Niezgoda #11 of Portland Timbers celebrates after scoring the opening goal of the match against Los Angeles FC as part of Group F of MLS Is Back Tournament at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex on July 23, 2020 in Reunion, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

2. Niezgoda gets his goal

New signing Jaroslaw Niezdoga opened his account for the Portland Timbers with their opening goal of the match.

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The Polish striker looked dangerous in the first half and was clinical in his finish. Sliding in behind the LAFC defense, he waited for the square ball to arrive his way. With Sisniega closing down the angle, he remained composed, allowed the ball to roll across his body, and slid a smart finish into the bottom corner from just outside the penalty area.

Niezgoda is no stranger to scoring goals. He netted 14 goals in 18 appearances in the Ekstraklasa before joining the Timbers in the winter. The Timbers have gone all-in on Niezgoda, signing him to a contract until the end of the 2023 season. He is capable of being a lethal goalscorer in MLS and Thursday night’s goal may have been the start of a tremendous season for the new arrival.

Niezgoda only adds to the Timbers’ increasingly potent attacking options. Jeremy Ebobisse has led the line superbly in the MLS is Back Tournament, scoring in all three games thus far. The duo have the Timbers soaring offensively, and it could lead to a deep run in the knockout stages.