The reigning champions, the Los Angeles Football Club, faced Portland Timbers to start the 2023 Major League Soccer season after the week 1 matchup against the LA Galaxy was postponed last week due to the severe weather conditions. Prior to the game against the Timbers, the Black & Gold received their 2022 MLS Cup championship rings in a special pregame ceremony at the BMO stadium on Saturday evening.

It was a day of celebration for LAFC and for one of the most beloved players in the roster, Giorgio Chiellini. The Italian defender scored the opening goal of the match in the 24th minute following a corner kick and this was his first with Los Angeles FC. The former Juventus captain became the first oldest player to score a goal in Major League Soccer history at 38 years old and 202 days.