T2 Fall 2-0 to Cascadia-Rival Seattle Sounders FC 2 at Merlo Field
May 23, 2015 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Portland Timbers 2 News Release
PORTLAND, Ore. - T2 conceded a goal in each half in a 2-0 loss against Cascadia-rival Seattle Sounders FC 2 on Friday night in front of 3,095 fans at Merlo Field. The loss marked Portland's first at Merlo Field in their inaugural season.
Despite finishing with a 12-11 advantage in total shots, T2 (3-4-2, 11pts) conceded the opening goal in the 38th minute as S2 (6-3-1, 19pts) defender Damion Lowe converted from close range after defender Jimmy Ockford headed the ball back in front of goal off a corner kick to give Seattle a 1-0 lead going into the half.
Earlier in the match, T2 forward Kharlton Belmar saw a breakaway opportunity in the 34th minute and chipped S2 goalkeeper Charlie Lyon for a goal, but saw the effort called back as the linesman whistled Belmar offside. Trailing by two goals in the 70th minute, defender Rennico Clarke saw a headed goal at the near right post off a cross from midfielder Seth Casiple also called back for offside.
Seattle jumped ahead 2-0 in the 55th minute when midfielder Sérgio chipped the ball over the T2 defense to create a breakaway for forward Andy Craven, who finished with a lofted ball over T2 goalkeeper Jake Gleeson as he rushed off his line in an attempt to stop the threat.
T2 saw several close chances in the second half, including a low drive by substitute Brent Richards in the 86th minute that deflected off an S2 defender and just missed the far right post. Looking to trim the deficit, T2 outshot S2 6-4 in the second half, but were unable to find a breakthrough goal. Defender Andy Thoma finished with a team-high three shots, including two on goal. Portland also earned a 10-5 advantage in corner kicks in the match.
In just five days' time, the two sides meet again as T2 travels to square off against S2 in the third round of the 2015 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup at Starfire Stadium in Tukwila, Wash., on Wednesday, May 27; kickoff is set for 1 p.m. (Pacific). In league play, T2 begin a three-game road swing following the Open Cup match, traveling to face Tulsa Roughnecks FC on Saturday, May 30, at ONEOK Field; kickoff is set for 5:30 p.m. (Pacific).
Wednesday's U.S. Open Cup match will be available live online via a high-definition web stream at www.timbers2.com.
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