The rivalry between the two clubs from the Northwest has always been an intense one, and Tuesday’s Second Round US Open Cup match just added another chapter to the book. A total of seven yellow cards and one ejection marked the Sounders 2-1 victory over Portland.
Portland started off red hot, taking two shots on goal in the opening minute of play. In the 19th minute, Portland grabbed the lead on a free kick goal from defender Justin Thompson.
The turning point of the match came just before halftime, when Portland’s Cameron Knowles was sent off for elbowing the Sounders Roger Levesque in the penalty area. Former Timbers standout Hugo Alcaraz-Cuellar stepped up and converted the penalty kick to tie the game.
Things were a bit testy in the remaining minutes of the half, as Portland’s Scot Thompson and Seattle’s Josh Gardner were cautioned after a confrontation just minutes before the penalty kick.
As Portland switched tactics to a more defensive stand, Seattle grabbed the go ahead goal in the 70th minute. Jake Besagno put away a Greg Howes cross to make the game 2-1 Sounders.
Portland pushed for the equalizer, and nearly got it in the 80th minute, when Brian Jordan combined with a teammate for a one-two combo, but Chris Eylander saves the low shot from Jordan.
Seattle’s win avenges a 2-0 loss to the Timbers in the Third Round of the 2005 tournament. This game also marks Portland’s third straight loss to a professional team in the Open Cup and their fourth defeat in their last five against pro teams.
Scoring
(POR) Justin Thompson (Andrew Gregor) 19’
(SEA) Hugo Alcaraz-Cuellar (PK) 41’
(SEA) Jake Besagno (Greg Howes) 70’