LA Galaxy Eliminate Portland Timbers from U.S. Open Cup
LA Galaxy defeated Portland Timbers in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday night in the Round of 16 at Providence Park. Galaxy took the early lead off a Raul Mendiola finish as Portland prepare to take on the Colorado Rapids at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park on the 4th of July.
Soccer News: The Portland Timbers were eliminated from the 2016 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday night, falling 1-0 to the LA Galaxy in the Round of 16 before 18,164 fans at Providence Park.
The Timbers fell behind in the fifth minute of play, with the Galaxy benefitting from an early finish from midfielder Raul Mendiola, who slotted midfielder Emmanuel Boateng’s cross into the bottom corner. Outshooting the Galaxy 6-4 in the first half, the Timbers responded with several opportunities to equalize the score, including Jack Barmby’s curling effort that was deflected away from danger by the Galaxy defense in the 17th minute of play.
Continuing to push forward, the Timbers created another solid chance in the 25th minute when forward Darren Mattocks slipped forward Jack McInerney in behind for a one-on-one chance. With LA goalkeeper Clement Diop charging off his line, McInerney attempted to lob the ball over the top, but Diop managed to tip it wide. Two minutes later, midfielder Darlington Nagbe fired a volley from the edge of the area, hitting his attempt just wide of the far post.
In the second half, McInerney drove past two players before hitting a volley that went over the crossbar in the 53rd minute, while midfielder Diego Valeri’s cross into the 18-yard box in the 85th minute of play found forward Fanendo Adi, whose header skipped just wide of the far post.
The result against LA marks Portland’s first loss since May 15 in all competitions, with the club now producing a 4-1-2 record in its last seven games across all competitions. Additionally, Wednesday’s game marked only the second time the Timbers have lost to the Galaxy at Providence Park in seven games played across all competitions since 2011.
Next up, the Timbers, who are unbeaten in their last five MLS matches, return to league play on Monday, July 4, against the Colorado Rapids at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park; kickoff is set for 6 p.m. (Pacific) and will feature a live broadcast on ROOT SPORTS with local radio broadcasts on 750 AM/102.9 FM The Game (English) and La GranD 1150 AM/93.5 FM (Spanish).
Source/Photo Credit: Portland Timbers
