Instead of reading Larsson, I found myself glued last night to the Portland Timbers's website for the streaming of their game against Chivas USA in a play-in opportunity within the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup at the University of Portland's Merlo Field.
The first 15 minutes of play were most nerve-racking, and thankfully passed scoreless. Which wasn't how the two previous MLS season games had gone over for the Timbers. Whom had allowed goals early in both games against Toronto FC & the Colorado Rapids. Needless to say there was a great energy on the pitch within the Timber ranks and shots on goal were a plenty throughout the first half, 5 to be exact. There were two fantastic one-on-one saves by the third-string goalie, Kiwi Jake Gleeson ensuring Chivas USA could never get a leg up. Jack Jewsbury had an unassisted goal in the 84th minute. It was glorious, and quickly followed up by a corner kick into the net by Eric Brunner, with an assist by the aforementioned Jewsbury. The first two fresh rounds of log were quickly lopped off in front of a cacophonous Timbers Army whilst they celebrated their first win!
The Timbers will follow up this win with a game squared off against the San Jose Earthquakes at a to be determined location and time. Portland will play the New England Revolution this Saturday in their third away game of this the 2011 MLS season.
The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup is the most inclusive soccer competition available in the States. These bouts of sport provide a complete mixing of amateur clubs and professional teams in a single-elimination cup that spans all levels of competitive play.
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