Portland Timbers striker Brian Fernandez got on the end of a free kick from Tomas Conechny and flicked a header toward goal in the 28th minute of a U.S. Open Cup match against the LA Galaxy on June 19. Fernandez’s header fell to Galaxy midfielder Perry Kitchen, who accidentally kicked the ball into his own net.

Fernandez jumped in the air in excitement and pumped his fists as he watched the ball cross the line, celebrating an own goal by the Galaxy with the same exuberance and emotion that he exhibits every time he gets on the scoresheet himself.

“He crazy,” said Timbers midfielder Sebastian Blanco, shaking his head as he recalled Fernandez’s celebration after the own goal.

That’s just the kind of player Fernandez is.

The 24-year-old is a highly-motivated goal scorer that is never satisfied on the pitch and is always pushing the find the back of the net. He is capable of spurring an attack or creating his own chance when he gets the ball anywhere around the box. He exudes confidence and clearly believes that he is going to score every time he steps on the field.

And whenever he helps the Timbers score -- even by setting up an own goal -- Fernandez is ready to celebrate.

Fernandez’s tenacity and immense talent have enabled him to get off to one of the best starts of any newcomer in MLS history. Fernandez has scored in each of his six appearances for the Timbers, netting an incredible eight goals across all competitions since Portland paid a club-record transfer fee to acquire him from Liga MX side Necaxa in May. No other MLS player has scored in their first six appearances across all competitions after joining the league.

Fernandez has also scored in four straight MLS regular season games to begin his Timbers career, which ties an all-time league record. He would set a new league record for consecutive games with a goal from the start of an MLS career if he finds the back of the net in Portland’s home game against FC Dallas Sunday.

“As long as I can, I’m going to try to keep scoring,” said Fernandez through an interpreter.

With Fernandez leading the way, the Timbers have become a fearsome attacking unit.

Portland (5-8-2, 17 points) beat the Galaxy 4-0 to advance to the quarterfinals of the U.S. Open Cup three days before routing the Houston Dynamo 4-0 in MLS play last week. Fernandez did not play in Portland’s 2-1 road loss against the Montreal Impact Wednesday. Timbers coach Giovanni Savarese left the majority of his starters at home for the game to ensure that the club would be well-rested for Sunday’s match against FC Dallas. Portland has gone 4-1-1 across all competitions in games where Fernandez has played.

“He just has to continue to be the way he’s been so far – hungry to score, hungry to help the team, eager to make sure we get wins because he’s competitive,” Savarese said. “Everybody is supporting each other. That’s the important part. Just keep our feet on the ground and keep on improving.”

Fernandez isn’t the only player excelling in Portland’s attack right now. Diego Valeri was named the MLS Player of the Week after tallying a goal and three assists against the Dynamo last week. Valeri is now tied for the league-lead in assists with 10. Sebastian Blanco and Jeremey Ebobisse both scored fabulous goals in their most recent starts as well. With all four players contributing, opponents can’t focus on any one attacker.

“I think we are doing things right and we want to continue winning and moving up in the standings,” Fernandez said. “Our objective is to be among the top teams and to do the best we can on the field in every game to accomplish our objective. We have a beautiful squad with wonderful people and that’s something you have to take advantage of, especially when you play at home.”

After starting the season with 12 straight games on the road due to construction at Providence Park, the Timbers will have a home-heavy schedule for the remainder of the regular season. Portland, who currently sits in 11th place in the Western Conference and needs to start making up ground in the standings, will play three of its next four MLS games at home, starting Sunday against FC Dallas.

When he steps on the field in front of Portland’s home crowd at Providence Park Sunday, Fernandez will once again be ready to do everything he can to try to score and lead the Timbers to a victory at home.

“I am very happy about many things that are happening in the club, things that are happening to me personally,” Fernandez said. “I am living a beautiful life right now and I hope I can continue in this path and stay here many years.”

-- Jamie Goldberg | jgoldberg@oregonian.com

503-853-3761 | @jamiebgoldberg

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