Portland Timbers edge Sporting Kansas City 1-0 in season opener

The Portland Timbers started their 2023 MLS campaign with a narrow 1-0 victory over Sporting Kansas City on Monday night at Providence Park. The game was originally scheduled for Saturday night but was postponed due to severe winter weather in Western Oregon.

The Timbers scored the only goal of the game in the sixth minute when Colombian defender Juan Mosquera headed in a corner kick from Diego Valeri for his first MLS goal. Mosquera joined the Timbers last season and appeared in three games.

Sporting KC tried to find an equalizer but could not break through Portland’s defense, which was led by goalkeeper Steve Clark who made four saves. The visitors also had a penalty appeal turned down in the second half when Daniel Salloi went down in the box under pressure from Claudio Bravo.

The result gave Portland three points and a perfect start to their season, while Sporting KC suffered their first loss and remained empty-handed. Both teams will return to action next weekend, with Portland hosting FC Dallas on Saturday and Sporting KC visiting LA Galaxy on Sunday.