Portland's Vancouver woes continue with loss
Published on April 22, 2006 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Portland Timbers News Release
BURNABY, B.C. - Joe Gjertsen scored a breakaway goal in the 17th minute to lead the Vancouver Whitecaps past the Portland Timbers in the opening game of the 2006 USL First Division season before 5,722 at Swangard Stadium.
Gjertsen struck when 2005 league MVP Jason Jordan collected a loose ball near midfield. Jordan played a neat ball through to Gjertsen, who beat Timbers defender Scot Thompson and slotted the ball past goalkeeper Josh Saunders.
Gjertsen followed his goal with another close chance less than a minute later, when his header, from a cross, missed just wide.
Portland's Drew McAthy had a pair of opportunities in the second half to level the score, getting a head on crosses from midfielder Luke Kreamalmeyer, but the efforts were just off target both times.
The Whitecaps dominated possession for the first 30 minutes, with several chances just missing the mark.
Jordan broke past Saunders in the sixth minute, but the Timbers keeper was just able to get a finger on the ball and steer it wide and out for a corner.
The loss takes the Timbers' all-time regular-season record in Vancouver to 1-10-1.
The Timbers will take a 12-day break from action before opening their home schedule at PGE Park on Friday, May 5 against the Whitecaps. Kickoff is 7 p.m. (Pacific).
USL First Division Stories from April 22, 2006
- Portland's Vancouver woes continue with loss - Portland Timbers
- Lynx Feel the Heat on the Beach - Toronto Lynx
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