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Kamara scores in Galaxy debut, Alessandrini adds another

CARSON, Calif. (AP) - Newcomer Ola Kamara and Romain Alessandrini scored two minutes apart in the first half and the Los Angeles Galaxy held off Portland 2-1 in a season opener Sunday night to spoil coach Giovanni Savarese's Timbers debut.

Kamara's 35th career goal came in the 32nd minute. Jonathan dos Santos' cross was headed across goal by Rolf Feltscher and Kamara chested it home. On a counter attack two minutes later, Alessandrini capitalized on a defensive turnover by sending a shot off the post and finishing the rebound.

Sebastian Blanco pulled Portland to 2-1 in the 66th minute by rolling a shot from a difficult angle through the legs of goalkeeper David Bingham. David Guzman's free kick in the 85th got through the wall but Bingham punched it away for his sixth and final save.

Savarese, formerly coach of the lower-tier New York Cosmos, is one of six new coaches in the MLS this season.

Los Angeles Galaxy forward Ola Kamara celebrates his goal during the first half of a Major League Soccer game against the Portland Timbers, Sunday, March 4, 2018, in Carson, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) The Associated Press
Portland Timbers defender Alvas Powell, top, tries to head the ball as Los Angeles Galaxy defender Ashley Cole ducks during the first half of a Major League Soccer game, Sunday, March 4, 2018, in Carson, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) The Associated Press
Portland Timbers midfielder Sebastian Blanco, top, takes the ball away from Los Angeles Galaxy defender Ashley Cole during the first half of a Major League Soccer game, Sunday, March 4, 2018, in Carson, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) The Associated Press
Portland Timbers defender Liam Ridgewell, top, tries to head the ball along with Los Angeles Galaxy forward Ola Kamara during the first half of a Major League Soccer game, Sunday, March 4, 2018, in Carson, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) The Associated Press
Portland Timbers defender Marco Farfan, center, is tripped by Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Romain Alessandrini, right, as forward Andy Polo watches during the first half of a Major League Soccer game, Sunday, March 4, 2018, in Carson, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) The Associated Press
Los Angeles Galaxy forward Ola Kamara, left, tries to kick the ball as he is shoved away by Portland Timbers midfielder David Guzman during the first half of a Major League Soccer game, Sunday, March 4, 2018, in Carson, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) The Associated Press
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