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MLS Seattle Sounders FC

Preseason Training Game: Seattle Sounders FC 0 vs. Portland Timbers 1

February 5, 2013 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Seattle Sounders FC News Release


TUCSON, Ariz. - Sounders FC kicked off the 2013 preseason with 1-0 defeat to the Portland Timbers in Tucson. Mikael Silvestre scored the lone goal for the Timbers as Seattle concluded their first of two preseason stints in Arizona.

Off a Portland corner kick in the 61st minute, Josh Ford and Deandre Yedlin made back-to-back saves on the line before Silvestre knocked the third attempt into the back of the net amidst a scrum.

Seattle pressed late, creating a few chances down the stretch, including a Jennings Rex header on target just seconds before the final whistle.

With several players out sick or away on national team duty, Seattle was forced to play a number of young and trialist players, as well as some players out of position. Both teams made mass substitutions in the game, Seattle's coming on at half and Portland's just after the 60-minute mark.

In the 30th minute, David Estrada eluded the defense down the right side, but his cross at the end line failed to find a target. In the 40th, Portland keeper Milos Kocic punched away a dangerous free kick from Mauro Rosales.

Marcus Hahnemann played the first half in goal for Seattle and kept Portland off the board. In the 14th minute, Hahnemann smothered a low and hard shot from Diego Valeri, then made a diving save on another Valeri shot just before the half.

Josh Ford came on for Hahnemann at halftime and was equally impressive in the net. In the 50th minute, he made a foot-save on a point-blank shot from Bright Dike. Eight minutes later, he dove to stop a dangerous shot from Kalif Alhassan in the box.

Portland almost added to the lead in the 69th minute when Danny Mwanga chipped a volley out of midair in the box that went off the cross bar.

Sounders FC returns home to Seattle today after a week in Casa Grande, but they will return to Tucson next week to participate in the Desert Diamond Cup. The preseason tournament will feature games against New England (February 13), Real Salt Lake (February 16), and New York (February 20).

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