Ghanaian international winger Ishmael Yartey crowned his Major League Soccer debut with an impressive showing for Portland Timbers as they defeated New York City FC 1-0 on Sunday night.

The 25-year-old who is on loan from French side Sochaux FC was handed a starting berth by Timbers coach Caleb Porter and he dazzled in the game, making impressive cutting runs with artful skills while stealing balls and picking the pockets of opponents.

He played till he was replaced in the 74th minute by Argentine Gaston Fernández in the 74th minute.

In a double instance, the former Ghana U17 starlet came close to scoring the opener of the game but his efforts were thwarted by opposition shields inside the box.

Yartey joined Timbers two weeks ago but had to wait to make his debut on Sunday as he had to fall in line with Timbers’ style of play and gain match fitness.

“It was great to get on the pitch and play once again. I feel very excited,” he told GHANAsoccernet.com.

While Yartey was in action, goalkeeper Adam Kwarasey was also manning the post for Timbers with midfielder Kwadwo Poku coming off the bench to play for New York City FC – the vanquished side.