MLS Review: Los Angeles thrash Timbers, Atlanta held

Los Angeles FC continued their strong start to the MLS season, while Atlanta United were held on Sunday.

Bob Bradley’s LA made it two wins from two with a 4-1 thrashing of the Portland Timbers at the Banc of California Stadium.

Mark-Anthony Kaye, Christian Ramirez, Adama Diomande and Carlos Vela scored in a comprehensive victory.

Kaye headed in a 14th-minute opener from Vela’s corner, only for Jeremy Ebobisse to bring the Timbers level from a set-piece of their own.

But Ramirez tapped in a cross on the stroke of half-time to restore the hosts’ lead before they dominated the second half.

Vela’s cross was put away by Diomande to complete a fine team move before the Mexican got on the scoresheet in the 68th minute.

How about that passing from @LAFC? Dio caps the amazing passing display with a goal and #LAFC are rolling. #LAFCvPOR https://t.co/Jjna9fMs8l

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) March 11, 2019

Timbers midfielder Diego Chara picked up his second yellow card four minutes later to add to Portland’s misery.

In Atlanta, the defending MLS Cup champions were held to a 1-1 draw by FC Cincinnati.

Josef Martinez’s opener was cancelled out by a late Roland Lamah goal, leaving Frank de Boer’s Atlanta winless through two games and earning Cincinnati their first MLS point.

WHAT A BALL. 

Saief to Lamah for the #FCCincy equalizer! #ATLvCIN https://t.co/Ylu6vrs1Xs

— Major League Soccer (@MLS) March 10, 2019

De Boer has won just one of five competitive games since taking charge of Atlanta in December.

Elsewhere, Sporting Kansas City recorded a 2-0 win over the Philadelphia Union and New York City drew 0-0 with DC United.