Early Van Houten goal hands Tide first home loss since 2006
Published on May 23, 2009 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Portland Timbers News Release
UNIVERSITY PLACE, Wash. - Midfielder Matt Van Houten scored within the first minute of action and goalkeeper Austin Guerrero recorded his first shutout of the season to lead the Portland Timbers U-23s to a 1-0 win over the Tacoma Tide Saturday at Curtis High School Stadium.
With his first goal of the season, Van Houten put the Timbers U-23s (3-1-1, 10pts) on top just :12 seconds into the game, followed by a solid defensive effort by Portland's backline, capped by Guerrero's one save, held the lead and handed the Tide their first loss at home since 2006.
Defender Adam West took a team-high three shots and five others had an attempt for the Tide (1-1-2, 5pts), who was shut out for the second time this season. Tacoma took 12 corner kicks throughout the night and held a slight advantage in shots 8-7.
Off the opening whistle, Tacoma played the ball back toward their goal and attempted to work it across the field when Van Houten picked off the pass. He quickly set himself up for a shot and fired the ball into the back of an open net for the lead.
Tacoma's lineup featured several former professional players, including West, USL First Division veteran Leighton O'Brien, former Portland Timbers forward Greg Howes and forward Nik Besagno, who played for Major League Soccer's Real Salt Lake from 2005-08.
Saturday's contest also doubled as the final match in the Timbers U-23s U.S. Open Cup qualification round. Despite the victory, the Timbers U-23s were eliminated from contention to be the Northwest Division's representative in the tournament as the first-place Kitsap Pumas locked up the bid with a 3-0 win over the Cascade Surge Friday.
The Timbers U-23s return home to play host to in-state rival the Cascade Surge on Saturday, May 30, at 3:30 p.m. at Kiggins Bowl in Vancouver Wash. Tickets will be available at the door for $10. For more information, visit www.portlandtimbers.com.
USL First Division Stories from May 23, 2009
- Early Van Houten goal hands Tide first home loss since 2006 - Portland Timbers
- Miami FC Earns First Road Point - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- Minnesota Breaks Three Game Losing Streak with a 0-0 Draw with Miami FC Blues - Minnesota Thunder
- Battery beats Rhinos to move into first place - Charleston Battery
- Charleston Battery's Tyler Hemming called up to Canadian national team - Charleston Battery
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