Kelsy Leads Comeback as Timbers Beat Tijuana 3-1 in Cifuentes' Debut

Kevin Kelsy scored the equalizer and set up the winning goal as the Portland Timbers closed their Leagues Cup 2026 campaign with a 3-1 comeback victory over Club Tijuana on Thursday night at Providence Park, giving new head coach Marti Cifuentes a win in his debut.

Tijuana Takes the Early Lead

The visitors struck first in the 19th minute when Mourad El Ghezouani finished a low cross from Alan Vega. Portland leveled five minutes before halftime as Jimer Fory played a low ball across the goalmouth for Kelsy to finish with his left foot.

Portland Takes Control After the Break

Kelsy turned provider in the 64th minute, pouncing on a rebound to set up Anthony Alves for the go-ahead goal. Ariel Lassiter sealed the result in the 77th minute, finishing an Alves assist to complete the 3-1 scoreline.

Portland outshot Tijuana 16-7 and held 61 percent of possession in a dominant second-half performance.

A Winning Farewell to the Tournament

Both clubs entered the night already eliminated from quarterfinal contention, but Portland finished its Leagues Cup run at 2-1-0, seventh among the 18 MLS clubs in the competition. The Timbers are 7-4-1 all time in Leagues Cup play, and Lassiter finished as the club's top scorer in the tournament with three goals.

The Timbers return to MLS action on Sunday, visiting Chicago Fire FC.