BACKGROUND: The Lamar Hunt US Open Cup is an annual tournament open to professional American soccer teams, including clubs from the USL and the MLS. The original competition dates back to 1914, (essentially the American equivalent to the FA Cup in England) and since the MLS has entered the tournament, they've taken home the title every year with only one exception - the Rochester Raging Rhinos defeating four MLS teams en route to a historic 1999 title run. The Timbers have competed in the US Open Cup since 2001, compiling a record of 3-5-0, their best finish making it to the fourth round of competition.
- Well tonight, first round games were played and the Portland Timbers opened against the Kitsap Pumas of the PDL soccer association. After nothing in the first half, the Timbers scored three goals in the second - Farber, Hayes, and Mclaughlin each finding the back of the net. With the win, the Timbers advance to the second round of the tournament and will battle the Sonoma County Sol of the ASA on June 16th.
- It would be quite an accomplishment if the Timbers could make it deep into the tourney. In recent years, the Seattle Sounders have made it to the semi-finals twice, one of only a handful of non-MLS clubs that have advanced that far. Do we have the talent to make a big run?
* Follow the tournament at www.usopencup.com
A deep run into the cup would be great warning shot to the MLS. We are the Mighty Timbers!
ReplyDeleteRochester almost lost to a USL-2 team, but they ended up winning the shootout.
ReplyDeleteOops, logged in on the wrong account.
ReplyDeleteWendy knows her stuff.
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