Timbers can't find offense against Galaxy
Published on April 14, 2005 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Portland Timbers News Release
PORTLAND, Ore. - The Portland Timbers never found their rhythm Wednesday night, losing to the tune of 1-0 to Major League Soccer's Los Angeles Galaxy before 4,227 at PGE Park.
For the Timbers, it was their final preseason tune-up before kicking off the regular season at PGE Park against the Toronto Lynx on Saturday, April 23.
The loss puts the Timbers at 2-2 all-time against MLS sides and 1-1 against the Galaxy in five seasons.
Los Angeles midfielder Herculez Gomez broke a scoreless tie in the 38th minute, taking a pass in close from Landon Donovan and cashing in from 10 yards out for the 1-0 advantage.
The Galaxy out-shot the Timbers 6-1 in the first half of play and 11-1 for the game. Los Angeles' best scoring opportunity in the opening period came when Paulo Nagamura unleashed on a rocket that was saved over the crossbar by Portland goalkeeper Josh Saunders.
Former Galaxy defender Scot Thompson played terrifically at the back for the Timbers, once cutting off the progress of Donovan, who broke free in the box, and stealing possession for the Portland club.
The Timbers broke free on several occasions throughout the match, but could not get in position to finish, mustering only one shot on the evening and none in the second half. The Galaxy also held the edge in corner kicks, 10-2.
Tickets are available for the Timbers' home opener against Toronto on April 23 at PGE Park at area Ticketmaster locations and the PGE Park box office.
TIMBERS NOTES: Timbers defender Gavin Wilkinson's head injury in the first half forced him to wear a head bandage for the remainder of the match to stop the bleeding ... it was the second-ever appearance in a Galaxy uniform for Donovan, who tallied the game-winning assist ... Portland forward Byron Alvarez was again held out of action with a rib injury ... former Timbers striker Alan Gordon did not make the trip for the Galaxy and stayed in L.A. with a groin injury.
USL First Division Stories from April 14, 2005
- Fitzpatrick heads to Real Salt Lake - Atlanta Silverbacks
- Rhinos sign radio deal - Rochester Rhinos
- Lady Lynx Land Scottish International! - Toronto Lynx
- Timbers can't find offense against Galaxy - Portland Timbers
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