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Portland Grabs Glory in Overtime

July 24, 2003 - A-League (A-League)
Cincinnati Riverhawks News Release


(Cincinnati, OH) – The Portland Timbers came out on top over the Cincinnati Riverhawks Wednesday by a score of 2-1 thanks to Jake Sagare's sudden death overtime winner. It had been a closely contested game in which Cincinnati had taken the lead and contained the Timbers for significant periods. Portland edged the possession in the first half, but were limited to few chances by a resolute Cincinnati defense. Matt Reid started his second game in goal and after diverting a low shot for a corner in the 10th minute, was involved in very little action for the remainder of the half. Portland's best chance fell to McKinley Tennyson who headed just wide from a good position.

Once again it was Alan Eller involved in the thick of the action for the Riverhawks, scoring the game's first goal after 55 minutes. After scoring following a ricochet in the opponent's box on Saturday, Eller did the same again making him the club's leading scorer outright with 6 goals. Riverhawks GM Jim Peto commented that "there is no doubt that Alan is having a great season for us". Cincinnati started the game with a 3-5-2 formation, with Gino Diguardi playing in a defensive midfield role. This allowed Eller to get forward more often in the absence of Marcel Matis.

Portland came out all guns blazing in the second half, and could have scored from their first attack. Reid blocked well from the initial shot, and through a crowded goal area Byron Alvarez shot the rebound wide. The Timbers had to wait until the 80th minute to break down the Riverhawks resistance. Midfielder Hugo Alcaraz provided the cross and Tennyson supplied an emphatic header to send the game to overtime.

Edward Child returned from suspension and added some shooting power to the Cincinnati offense. His powerful shot was helped over the bar by Timbers keeper Josh Saunders in the 74th minute, and his dipping drive hit the top of the net in the 8th minute of overtime. Just one minute later, the 99th of the game, Sagare pounced on a shot deflected first by Okolie and then by what appeared to be the arm of Timbers substitute Jason Melendez. The officials ruled that there was no intent involved and Sagare crashed his shot into the top right corner of the goal, swerving away from the Cincinnati keeper.

The Riverhawks play their third home game of the week on Sunday against the Vancouver Whitecaps knowing that a victory would surpass last season's number of wins. The game kicks off at 6.05pm at Town & Country Sports Complex. All members of the Hawks Club are invited to a 40 minute soccer clinic staged by Riverhawks players, beginning at 4.05pm.

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