The scoring opened in the 10th minute when David Ayala found the back of the net, capitalizing on an assist from David Da Costa. It marked Ayala's first goal of the season and his second in 63 appearances for the club, while Da Costa registered his second assist in his debut league season.
Sporting Kansas City responded swiftly, leveling the score just six minutes later through an unassisted effort from debutant Shapi Suleymanov, marking his first goal for the club.
However, the Timbers quickly re-established their lead. In the 27th minute, Ayala turned provider, setting up Kelsy for his first goal of the match. This assist was Ayala's first of the season and the second of his MLS career.
The see-saw battle continued as Sporting KC equalized once more in the 33rd minute. Dejan Joveljic converted a penalty kick, his team-leading fifth goal in his inaugural season, after Antony Alves Santos of the Timbers was penalized for a foul on Suleymanov. The teams headed into halftime locked at 2-2.
Portland emerged with renewed vigor after the break, regaining the lead for good just four minutes into the second half. Antony, who had conceded the penalty in the first half, turned playmaker, assisting Kelsy for his third goal of the campaign. The young forward, who netted six goals in 23 appearances as a rookie last season, continued to demonstrate his attacking prowess.
The Timbers solidified their victory in the 54th minute when a Sporting Kansas City defender, Jansen Miller, inadvertently directed the ball into his own net.
Goalkeeper James Pantemis was instrumental in securing the win for the Timbers, making four crucial saves. On the other end, John Pulskamp recorded five saves for Sporting Kansas City but ultimately couldn't prevent the Timbers' offensive surge.
This victory marked a significant milestone for the Portland Timbers, breaking their long-standing winless streak on the road against Sporting Kansas City and tying the all-time series at 9 wins, 9 losses, and 7 draws. The Timbers are currently enjoying a strong run of form, boasting a 3-0-2 record in their last five matches, including shutouts in their previous two away fixtures.
Looking ahead, the Portland Timbers will return home to host Los Angeles FC on Saturday, while Sporting Kansas City will travel to face the San Jose Earthquakes on the same day, seeking to reverse their current fortunes.