Timbers top Austin FC 1-0 on late free-kick goal

David Da Costa's free kick in the 89th minute surprisingly went into the net and helped the Portland Timbers notch a 1-0 victory over visiting Austin FC on Saturday night.

Da Costa was on the left flank when he directed his right-footed boot toward the net. It was beyond the heads of any of the Timbers and Austin goalkeeper Brad Stuver stood his ground as if he was expecting one of the Austin defenders to clear the ball.

But none did and Stuver's feet were planted as the ball went to his left and into the net for Da Costa's first MLS goal in his second game.

James Pantemis registered four saves to help Portland (1-1-0, 3 points) nab the victory. The clean sheet was the 14th in MLS play for Pantemis.

Stuver made one save for Austin (1-1-0, 3 points).

Austin had a chance to tie the match in the third minute of second-half stoppage time when it had a free kick. But Besard Sabovic's right-footed blast was high and over the crossbar.

Sabovic also had a strong chance in the 76th minute. He took a long right-footed low kick that Pantemis was able to knock away.

Da Costa, 24, joined the Timbers less than two weeks ago. The Portugal native was reportedly acquired for $6 million. Portland signed him to a four-year deal plus an option for 2029.

Austin outshot the Timbers 11-8 and had a 4-2 edge in shots on goal.

The match was Austin's second under new coach Nico Estevez. Austin defeated Sporting Kansas City 1-0 in its opener.

Portland played a much more competitive match after falling 4-1 to the Vancouver Whitecaps in last week's opener.

Both teams had a stellar chance in the first half.

Portland's Felipe Mora unleashed a close-range left-footed shot in the fifth minute but Stuver was able to make the save.

In the 34th minute, Austin's Brandon Vazquez took a free kick from outside the box and sent a right-footer toward the right corner. Pantemis was able to get his left hand on the ball to knock it away.

--Field Level Media