David Da Costa is off and running.

The Portland Timbers’ new Designated Player No. 10 scored his first MLS goal on Saturday night, bending home a free kick to earn a 1-0 victory over Austin FC at Providence Park.

But here’s the question: Was it a shot or a cross?

The Portuguese midfielder, acquired last month from Ligue 1’s RC Lens for reportedly around $6 million, smiled when asked by local media.

“I’m very happy for my first goal,” Da Costa said through a translator. “When I shot it, I just wanted to put it in the exact spot that it landed, that area. Then it went in!”

MOOD 🕺 pic.twitter.com/3uuPtdqBHS

— Portland Timbers (@TimbersFC) March 2, 2025

Da Costa arrives in Portland to replace Evander, the 2024 Landon Donovan MLS MVP finalist who was traded to FC Cincinnati for a league-record fee ($12 million) earlier this winter.

While those are big shoes to fill, the 24-year-old has left a positive early impression.

“What we saw tonight was a DP No. 10 that I think is going to be special,” head coach Phil Neville said after his team’s first win of the 2025 season.