NYCFC cut down by Timbers, 3-0

PORTLAND, Ore. — Sebastian Blanco, Fanendo Adi and Larrys Mabiala scored and the Portland Timbers ended New York City FC’s season-opening undefeated streak at seven games with a 3-0 victory Sunday.

NYCFC had won five matches and tied two and was the only Eastern Conference team without a loss going into the weekend.

The Timbers have won two straight after going without a victory in their first five matches.

David Villa started and wore the captain’s armband for NYCFC, entering the game just one goal away from reaching 400 total goals for club and country.

Villa had his best chance in the 40th minute but his shot was stopped by Timbers goalkeeper Jeff Antinella.

The match was played as rumors continue to swirl around NYCFC coach Patrick Vieira and the top job at Arsenal. Arsene Wenger announced on Friday that he was leaving the Premier League club after 22 years this summer.

A day before his surprise announcement, Wenger was quoted as saying that he felt Vieira had the “potential” to lead Arsenal one day.

“I just want to talk about the game. I don’t want to talk about anything else,” Vieira said after the match. Pressed, he said: “I don’t have any comment to make. I just want to talk about the game. Nothing else.”

A French former midfielder, Vieira played for Arsenal from 1996-2005, scoring 29 goals in 279 appearances.