Los Angeles, CA – LAFC goalkeeper Tyler Miller made a big save on Sebastian Blanco’s close-range blast in the 70th minute and finished with six saves.
Miller’s sixth shutout of the year led to LAFC and Portland playing to a scoreless draw on Sunday at the Banc of California Stadium.
“I can still find something I can improve on,” Miller said. “That’s just how I am but it felt nice to have a good game today and continue to build on what I did last game. Now, we just have to keep it going.”
In nine matches at home, LAFC remains unbeaten but were shut out for the first time in club history. The Black and Gold sit at second place in the Western Conference standings with 35 points.
“Overall I thought we did a lot of good things,” LAFC coach Bob Bradley said. “They are a team that is dangerous in transition and we did a solid job of handling that.”
This was the Timbers sixth shut out of the season. LAFC was averaging 2.27 goals per game entering the match.
LAFC had the ability to create big chances but just could not finish. Carlos Vela’s header inside the box went straight to the goalkeepers hands in the 94th minute. This was Vela’s first start since returning from the World Cup.
“I tried to create something for the team but today was very difficult,” Vela said. “They play with a lot of players in the middle so it was really hard to find spaces for the ball.”
Midfielder Lee Nguyen earned a red card after a high tackle on Blanco. Moments later, Tyler dove to the ground for the save after a dribbling Diego Valeri got passed several defenders inside the box.
LAFC and Portland finished scoreless in the first half. Both teams had their chances to score but the Timbers got five shots on goal. Portland failed to convert on two miscues by the black and gold’s defense.
In the fifth minute, Portland had a chance for the opening goal after Valeri stripped Feilhaber but Tyler made the stop on Valeri’s shot.
Adama Diomande missed a scoring opportunity after he fired a one-touch shot off a scoop pass from Joao Moutinho in the 31st minute. Portland keeper Jeff Attinella just got enough on it to turn it over the top of the crossbar.
Both teams have a short turnaround as they meet again on Wednesday in the U.S. Open Cup quarterfinal at the Banc of California Stadium.
