Portland Timbers game notes
Published on August 7, 2005 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Portland Timbers News Release
TONIGHT'S MATCH: The Timbers play host to the rival Seattle Sounders on Sunday at 5 p.m. (Pacific).
MINNESOTA RECAP: The Timbers surrendered a two-goal advantage and settled for a 3-3 draw with the Minnesota Thunder Friday night at PGE Park. Byron Alvarez opened the scoring, while Hugo Alcaraz-Cuellar and Scot Thompson each collected a goal and an assist in the match, marking the first time since the season opener the Timbers tallied three goals in a game. The draw is the third of the season between the Thunder and Timbers, who are neck-and-neck in the crowded race for the postseason. Alvarez hit for his team-leading sixth goal of the season in the 21st minute on a corner kick play when Alcaraz-Cuellar took the corner and tapped it out to Edwin Miranda. Miranda worked his way up the touchline and sent a low ball through to Thompson in the box, who instead of putting the shot on goal, optioned to Alvarez for the strike.
THE SOUNDERS: With revenge on their minds after falling to the Timbers 2-0 in the U.S. Open Cup last month, the Sounders make their first regular-season visit to PGE Park this evening. The season series is tied 1-1, but the Timbers have taken six of the last eight regular-season matches between the two rivals, dating back to the 2003 season. Former Timber Andrew Gregor is a member of this week's Team of the Week after hitting for two goals and an assist in a 3-0 win over Toronto. Seattle played Minnesota to a scoreless draw last night at Qwest Field.
TRENDS: Friday's 3-3 draw marked the first time since the season opener that the Timbers tallied three goals in a match ... Portland managed that feat nine times last season ... the draw was also the fifth time this season the Timbers have squandered a lead to settle for a tie -- a difference of 10 points in the league standings.
INJURY UPDATE: Timbers midfielder Jarrod Weis, who has started the last two games for the Timbers, left Friday's match in the 90th minute with an MCL sprain and is out a minimum of two weeks ... midfielder Aaran Lines is still nursing a groin injury and is a game-time decision.
UP NEXT: The Timbers make a two-game road trip to Montreal and Minnesota, beginning Wednesday, Aug. 10, in the Quebec city at 4:30 p.m. (Pacific) and ending Saturday, Aug. 13, when Portland finishes off the season series with the Thunder in St. Paul, Minn. at 5:05 p.m. (Pacific).
USL First Division Stories from August 7, 2005
- Whitecaps win big on the road - Vancouver Whitecaps
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- Battery held scoreless by Mariners - Charleston Battery
- Portland Timbers game notes - Portland Timbers
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