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MLS Portland Timbers

Timbers Defeat Sounders FC 1-0 in Preseason Play

February 5, 2013 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Portland Timbers News Release


TUCSON, Ariz. - A second-half goal from trialist defender Mikael Silvestre combined with the club's shutout performance led the Portland Timbers to a 1-0 win against Seattle Sounders FC on Tuesday in a preseason match played at the Kino Sports Complex.

Playing their third match of the preseason, the Timbers' first group played 60-plus minutes against Sounders FC (0-1-0 preseason), and Silvestre, making his second preseason start, was able to find the game's lone goal just after the hour mark. Portland (2-1-0 preseason) limited Seattle's shot opportunities throughout the match, with goalkeepers Milos Kocic and Jake Gleeson combining for one save in the club's first shutout of the 2013 preseason.

After several close chances in the first half, the Timbers were able to break the deadlock in the 61st minute. A corner kick from the right side created a flurry of activity in the penalty area. The Timbers had one shot saved by Seattle goalkeeper Josh Ford and another headed off the line by defender DeAndre Yedlin before Silvestre collected a rebound and fired home from close range.

The Timbers forced Sounders FC goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann into a series of saves in the first half, including a hard attempt by midfielder Diego Valeri inside the box, set up by defender Ryan Miller just before halftime.

Portland's momentum carried over into the second half, and forward Bright Dike nearly struck in the 50th minute. The recipient of a chipped pass into the box, Dike hit a low shot that was just saved by the outstretched foot of Ford, who played the entire second half for Seattle. Forward Danny Mwanga had a chance to double the Timbers' lead in the 69th minute, but his leaping shot crashed off the crossbar.

Gleeson came up with a timely save just before the final whistle, handling a bouncing header by Sounders FC's Jennings Rex from inside the box. In the first half, Kocic punched away a series of free kicks around Portland's penalty area around the 30th minute.

The Timbers will play their fourth and final preseason match during their 12-day camp in Tucson, Ariz., on Friday against FC Tucson, the host club of the Desert Friendlies, at 10 a.m. (Pacific) at the Kino Sports Complex. The Timbers will return to Portland following Friday's match.

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