Timbers round out road schedule against Virginia Beach, Toronto
Published on July 26, 2006 under USL First Division (USL-1)
Portland Timbers News Release
PORTLAND, Ore. - The Portland Timbers hit the road for a final two road matches of the season this week. The Timbers, who have the luxury of playing their final six regular-season matches at home, face off with the Virginia Beach Mariners on Thursday, July 27, and the Toronto Lynx on Saturday, July 29. Both matches are scheduled to kick off at 4:30 p.m. (Pacific).
The Timbers (5-10-5, 20pts) are searching for a positive result on the trip, as they have lost their last six league games and are 1-6-3 in their last 10 USL First Division matches. The Timbers and Mariners meet for the first time this season at Virginia Beach Sportsplex and will play again August 10 in Portland. On Saturday, the Timbers hope to sweep the season series against Toronto after defeating the Lynx 2-1, May 21 at PGE Park.
About the Mariners
The Mariners (5-5-6, 21pts) have dropped their last two results but remain in good position if they can return to form and build upon a strong first-half performance (5-3-6). Gregory Simmonds leads the attack for the Mariners this season. Simmonds ranks fourth in the league in points (14) and leads the league in shots (50) in just 15 games played.
About the Lynx
The Lynx (3-10-3, 12pts) look to add to their recent success as they face the Timbers at Centennial Park Stadium Saturday night. Although the Lynx find themselves at the bottom of the standings, they have played inspired soccer in their last two matches. Toronto trumped Atlanta with a 1-0 victory July 16, and again pulled off a surprising 1-1 draw against Rochester July 21.
About the Timbers
After reaching the top of the USL standings while riding an eight-game unbeaten streak, the Timbers are in need of a positive result, having lost their last six in league play. The team's last league victory came in a 2-1 result over Minnesota on June 15. The Timbers hope to improve their road record, as they are 2-7-3 away from home this season.
Timbers Head Coach Chris Agnello on the Weekend
"It's a must-win situation for us - obviously every game now is a must-win. We'll be happy to have a healthier backfield now, and we'll do our best in these next two games to try and pick up some points. A positive road trip is needed right now. We had excellent training sessions recently, and the guys' spirits were up and we're just trying to work our way back into things."
On the Air
No broadcasts are available for either match, but in-game updates will be provided at www.portlandtimbers.com.
Out of the Lineup
Timbers defenders Mike Randolph and Jacobi Goodfellow will both serve one-game suspensions when the Timbers face Virginia Beach. Randolph received a red card for an altercation with a Seattle player in Portland's 3-1 loss at Seattle July 22. Goodfellow will also be ineligible, as he is over his limit for yellow cards ... Mamba Chisoni remains in Zimbabwe as he spends time with family following the passing of his mother. He will not be available for either game this weekend.
Alcaraz-Cuellar Honored
Timbers midfielder Hugo Alcaraz-Cuellar was named to the USL First Division Team of the Week for Week 14. Alcaraz-Cuellar scored the team's lone goal July 21 against Seattle, making good on a free-kick opportunity in stoppage time in a 2-1 loss to the Sounders at PGE Park. He shares the league lead in assists (5) this season, ranks 11th in points (11), and is seventh in minutes played (1,665).
Coming Up
The Timbers return home August 4 when they play host to the Minnesota Thunder at PGE Park in a 7 p.m. kickoff. The Timbers finish the regular season with six straight home matches.
USL First Division Stories from July 26, 2006
- Sounders Hit The Road This Week - Seattle Sounders
- Timbers round out road schedule against Virginia Beach, Toronto - Portland Timbers
- Miami FC ready to face Puerto Rico in two crucial matches this weekend - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
