PORTLAND, Ore. — The Portland Timbers wasted no time in asserting themselves in the 2025 Leagues Cup, dismantling Liga MX’s Atlético de San Luis 4–0 on a brisk Wednesday night at Providence Park. From the opening whistle, Portland looked like a side determined to make a statement — and they did so with ruthless efficiency, scoring on all four of their shots on target while keeping their Mexican visitors firmly on the back foot.
It took just 36 seconds for Providence Park to erupt. David Da Costa, the 24‑year‑old forward who has been the Timbers’ most consistent attacking threat all season, pounced on a blocked pass and lashed a volley into the bottom corner. The goal, his fifth of the year, not only stunned San Luis but entered the history books as the third-fastest in Leagues Cup history. For Da Costa, it was another step in what has become a breakout season; his tally tied him with Antony for the most goal contributions in 2025 across all competitions.
From that moment on, the match belonged to Portland. San Luis tried to respond, pushing bodies forward and earning a flurry of corners, but the Timbers’ defensive structure held firm. Goalkeeper James Pantemis was called upon several times in the first half and delivered with authority, ultimately finishing with five saves and a clean sheet. His command of the penalty area provided the foundation for what would become a lopsided result.
The second half showcased Portland’s depth in attack. In the 56th minute, Santiago Moreno darted down the right flank and delivered a pinpoint cross. Rising above the San Luis backline, 21‑year‑old Kevin Kelsy powered home a header to double the lead. It was Kelsy’s first Leagues Cup goal and his seventh across all competitions this year, ending an eight-match drought. Head coach Phil Neville praised the young striker afterward, noting, “I think [Kevin’s] going to be a star. And we have to be patient.”
If patience was a theme, Ariel Lassiter offered a payoff long in the making. Having joined Portland last December, the Costa Rican forward finally found his first goal for the club in the 73rd minute. The strike was vintage Lassiter — a blistering run from midfield, a clever through ball from Diego Chara, and a clinical finish that nutmegged the goalkeeper. The roar inside Providence Park seemed to signal not just a goal but a symbolic moment of arrival.
Just five minutes later, Felipe Mora provided the exclamation point. After Moreno created havoc inside the box, the ball fell kindly for Mora, who unleashed a thunderous effort off the crossbar and in. It was his first goal since May 3, ending a frustrating 14‑match drought. The relief was palpable.
By the time the final whistle blew, the Timbers had not only secured their fourth-ever Leagues Cup victory but also moved to the top of the group stage table. The win extended their perfect record in Leagues Cup openers to 3–0. For a competition that has seen Liga MX sides dominate early fixtures — every Mexican team had won the night before — Portland’s victory carried symbolic weight. “Every Mexican team won last night,” Neville reminded reporters. “So, I think that set the tone for the tournament in terms of these games being difficult. But tonight, we showed what we can do.”
To his credit, San Luis head coach Guillermo Abascal refused to let the scoreline define his team’s effort. “I saw the team until the last minute, the 94th minute, shooting on goal, trying to come back,” Abascal said. “The team also showed once again that it doesn't fall apart in the face of adversity.” His side, however, extended a winless streak in the Leagues Cup to 0–5.
For Portland, the significance of the win goes beyond the three points. It reaffirms MLS’s competitive legitimacy in a tournament designed to test the balance of power between the United States and Mexico. With the top four MLS and Liga MX sides advancing to the quarterfinals — and Champions Cup qualification on the line — the Timbers’ strong start positions them not only as group favorites but as genuine contenders for a deep run.
The next test comes quickly. Portland hosts Querétaro on August 2, with an eye toward securing advancement before the knockout rounds. San Luis, meanwhile, will try to regroup against Real Salt Lake on the same day. For now, though, the Timbers can savor a night that began with history and ended with a statement: MLS is not conceding ground easily.
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