Orlando City nets three late goals to rally past Portland Timbers

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:32 am

Orlando City fought back from two goals down to stun the Portland Timbers 3-2 with a trio of late goals on Sunday.

The Lions looked largely lifeless for the first 80 minutes as the Timbers appeared on pace for their first win of the year, but goals from Chris Mueller, Sacha Kljestan flipped the game on its head before Dom Dwyer netted Orlando's winner in the 87th minute.

Portland's Sebastian Blanco was shown a second yellow card for simulation in the 20th minute, but he was granted a reprieve after video review, and referee Baldomero Toledo granted a penalty instead.

Diego Valeri converted the spot kick to put Portland ahead, and Timbers goalkeeper Jake Gleeson made a fine save in first-half stoppage time to preserve the lead.

Cristhian Paredes and Valeri both hit the woodwork for Portland early in the second half, and the second goal finally came just before the hour mark as Bill Tuiloma rose highest to head home a free kick for his first MLS goal.

But the game changed in the 80th minute when Chris Mueller's glancing header for Orlando deflected into the net following a corner, and Toledo granted the hosts a penalty less than minute later after Alvas Powell hauled down Dwyer while defending a cross.

Kljestan converted the penalty to level the score at 2-2, and with three minutes to play Dwyer appeared to lose his footing in the box, only to recover, spin around defender Larrys Mabiala and fire in the winning goal.

Orlando City won its second straight game after also edging the New York Red Bulls at home last week, while the early-season struggles continued for the Timbers, who only have two points from their first five games.