A few weeks ago, eyebrows were raised when Portland Timbers splashed €7 million on David Da Costa—a midfielder with just one assist to his name this season.
Replacing a player like Evander was never going to be easy, and many wondered if the 24-year-old could handle the pressure.
But on Saturday night at Providence Park, Da Costa silenced the doubters, at least for now, with a game-winning free kick that lifted the Timbers to their first victory of the 2025 MLS season.
A Tactical chess match at Providence Park
Portland’s 1-0 win over Austin FC was anything but straightforward. Both teams had their moments, with Austin’s Brandon Vazquez testing the Timbers’ defense early and goalkeeper Brad Stuver making crucial saves to keep his team in the game. Portland, meanwhile, struggled to break through, as Austin’s defensive shape frustrated them for much of the match.
But then came the moment that justified Portland’s gamble. With the clock winding down in the 89th minute, the Timbers won a free kick just outside the box. Up stepped Da Costa. In one fluid motion, he curled the ball past the wall and into the bottom corner—a goal as precise as it was crucial.
Signs of a star in the making?
Beyond his goal, Da Costa was instrumental in Portland’s attack. He created the most chances (3) in the match, completed 80% of his passes, and delivered six accurate crosses, per Fotmob.
His movement in midfield, while not flashy, gave the Timbers a different dimension, one that could prove invaluable as the season progresses.
For a player still adapting to a new league, this was an encouraging start. Portland needed someone to step up after Evander’s departure, and while it’s too early to say Da Costa is that guy, he’s at least making his case.
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Portland’s dominance over Austin continues
This win wasn’t just about Da Costa. It also continued Portland’s strong record against Austin FC, with the Timbers now leading the all-time series 6-3-1.
They’ve outscored Austin 13-5 in their last eight meetings and have kept four clean sheets in that stretch. Saturday’s shutout, secured by James Pantemis in his first start of the season, was another reminder of how difficult Portland is to beat at home.
Looking ahead
One goal doesn’t define a season, but it can set the tone. Portland made a bold bet on Da Costa, and while there’s still a long way to go, Saturday night showed why they were willing to take that risk.
If he keeps producing moments like this, the Timbers might just have found their next midfield talisman.