By Justin Ruderman
Energy Moment of the Matchday 32: Alexander Aravena
Stoppage time? More like Alexander Aravena time!
The Chilean international came up clutch for the Portland Timbers during their rollercoaster 3-2 home victory over Charlotte FC on Saturday night, heading in the stoppage-time winner to earn Energy Moment of the Matchday presented by Celsiushonors for Matchday 32.
Coming off the bench in the 83rd minute with the game level at 2-2, Aravena had one thing on his mind: a winner. Then Portland earned a corner kick in the 96th minute, with Cole Bassett flicking Ian Smith 's delivery onto the doorstep for Aravena to tap home.
The spectacle marked Aravena's second MLS goal since arriving on loan from Brazilian Série A side Grêmio in February , both coming in stoppage time.
Securing three points kept Portland's Audi 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs hopes alive, putting them in 11th place on 37 points, four behind the LA Galaxy for the Western Conference's final Wild Card spot with three matches remaining.
The Timbers continue their postseason pursuit with a visit to recently-crowned US Open Cup champions St. Louis CITY SC on Wednesday night (8:30 pm ET | Apple TV ).
