MLS Portland Timbers

Overtime Goal Lifts Cal FC Past Timbers in U.S. Open Cup

Published on May 31, 2012 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Portland Timbers News Release


PORTLAND, Ore. - Forward Artur Aghasyan scored the game-winning goal in overtime as Cal FC defeated the Portland Timbers 1-0 in the third round of the 2012 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup at JELD-WEN Field on Wednesday night.

With the win, Cal FC, from the U.S. Adult Soccer Association (USASA), advances to the fourth round of the tournament to face Seattle Sounders FC on Tuesday, June 5. Cal FC is the last of nine USASA clubs remaining in the 2012 U.S. Open Cup.

After 90 minutes, the Timbers and Cal FC entered overtime scoreless despite Portland controlling a majority of the run of play during regulation. In the 95th minute, Cal FC forward Danny Barrera played a through ball from the midfield circle that sent Aghasyan in behind a high-pressed Timbers backline. In a one-on-one with Portland goalkeeper Troy Perkins near the top of the penalty area, Aghasyan slipped the ball by and into the back of the net for the decisive goal.

The Timbers had a number of scoring opportunities throughout the match, attempting nearly 40 shots throughout the contest. Portland's best opportunity to take the lead came in the 80th minute on a penalty kick attempt by forward Kris Boyd. A Cal FC defender was called for a handball inside the box, setting up Boyd's attempt from the spot; the striker's hard shot cruised just over the goal.

Cal FC goalkeeper Derby Carrillo recorded 15 saves against the Timbers, including seven during the 30 minutes of overtime.

The Timbers return to MLS play on Sunday, June 17, when they visit the LA Galaxy at the Home Depot Center; kickoff is set for 4 p.m. (Pacific).

Notes:

* The 2012 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup marks the 99th edition of the tournament, which was first played in 1914. The 2012 tournament field includes 64 teams, the largest of the professional era (1996-present), and began May 15. Every winning team's name is engraved on the base of the Dewar Challenge Trophy. * The Timbers entered their first U.S. Open Cup tournament as an MLS side in 2012. All 16 U.S.-based MLS clubs entered the 2012 U.S. Open Cup in the third round. * Of the 16 third-round matches in the 2012 U.S. Open Cup, four went into extra time and one was even decided on penalty kicks. * Portland wore its retro-inspired third kits for Wednesday's U.S. Open Cup tilt against Cal FC. It was the second time this season in which the Timbers wore that kit, the other was for an MLS match against Real Salt Lake on March 31. * Cal FC featured two players Wednesday with Timbers connections. Defender Mike Randolph played his rookie season with the second-division Timbers in 2006 and was a finalist for the USL First Division Rookie of the Year. Additionally, defender Jesus Gonzalez played the 2011 season with the Timbers' development team, the Timbers U-23s, in the Premier Development League. * Defenders Futty Danso (The Gambia) and Steve Purdy (El Salvador, midfielders Lovel Palmer (Jamaica) and Rodney Wallace (Costa Rica) and goalkeeper Jake Gleeson (New Zealand) are all currently away on national team duty and not available for the Timbers' U.S. Open Cup match.

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Major League Soccer Stories from May 31, 2012


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