Portland wins 3-0, Seattle coming to PGE Park

The big story today is that the Timbers will advance to the third round of the US Open cup to take on arch-rival Seattle. Portland's 3-0 victory over Sonoma County means the Sounders will come to PGE Park on July 1st. It took two wins for the Timbers to advance into the third round; all MLS teams get a bye this far into the tournament.

The Timbers won off an early goal from George Josten at the seventh minute, and then two late insurance goals from Manjou Keita. Cronin picked up another shut-out, and Portland hasn't lost in 12 games (counting non-league games).

Dropping Timber will be taking a close look at the Sounders, and whether Portland has any chance of pulling the upset, in upcoming posts. Stay tuned and keep dropping timber everyday.

GAME PREVIEW - US Open Cup Second Round

The Battle for Seattle Begins Tonight

A Portland win tonight in Sonoma County will lead to a showdown June 30th at PGE Park with arch-rival, new MLS team and all around aholes Seattle Sounders. The war Begins tonight as the mighty mighty Timbers face Sonoma County.

Portland

at
Sonoma County Sol

Tuesday
June 16, 7:00PM

The Timbers face Sonoma County Sol in the second round of the US Open Cup on Tuesday. Sonoma plays in the National Premier Soccer League, a national amateur league which plays at the fourth tier of the American Soccer Pyramid. They won their first round game 5-2 against the Orange County Blues Stars. Sonoma sits at the top of their table in the NPSL with six wins and one tie. Hopefully, Portland's hot streak will continue because a win would pit Portland against arch rival Seattle Sounders on June 30th at PGE Park. Come on boys bring us a victory tonight!

Checkout the US Open Cup Bracket

First person to post the final official score after the final whistle gets a free pint.

Lamar Hunt US Open Cup FIRST ROUND - Portland beats Kitsap 3 - 0

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