Sports. Honestly. Since 2011

Seattle Sounders narrowly drop U.S. Open Cup match to rival Portland

The chance for a fifth title in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup came to an end for the Seattle Sounders last night, as they fell to rival Portland.
Sounders U.S. Open Cup

Tacoma, Washington (June 13, 2019) — The Seattle Sounders FC hold four Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup trophies to their name. It’s an impressive number and they’ve been looking for their fifth since 2014, their last win.

However, 2019 won’t be the year for a fifth title.

Seattle Sounders narrowly drop U.S. Open Cup match to rival Portland

Instead, the Sounders dropped out of the U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday night, falling to the Portland Timbers. The Sounders and Timbers are classic rivals, but this match didn’t have the same rivalry feeling. For starters, the contest was held in Cheney Stadium in Tacoma, where the Reign FC of the NWSL feature.

Also, the Open Cup is a time to get non-starters some action. However, the likes of Víctor Rodríguez, Kelvin Leerdam and Harry Shipp earned starts. Stefan Frei took a spot on the bench as Bryan Meredith took the reins in goal. Meredith has been with the Sounders since 2017. He also spent time with Seattle from 2011-12.

Rodríguez was the lone Sounder to score, notching his goal in the 44th minute. However, Rodríguez had the opportunity to equalize again late in the second half, but smacked his shot off the crossbar.

The missed opportunity came on a penalty kick.

Meanwhile, for the Timbers, newly acquired player Bryan Fernández got the Timbers on the scoresheet early. Fernández found a goal in the 6th minute of action, quickly taking a lead over Seattle. However, the game-winner from Fernández came in the 50th minute.

Seattle will now enjoy the small break clubs have for the CONCACAF Gold Cup. The Sounders will return to league action against New York City FC on June 29, heading to Yankee Stadium.

Right now, the Sounders are in third place in the MLS Western Conference with 26 points. Ahead of them by two points is the LA Galaxy. Meanwhile, Los Angeles FC is running away with the conference, holding onto first place with 37 points.

 

PHOTO: Víctor Rodríguez celebrates his goal against the Portland Timbers in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday night at Cheney Stadium in Tacoma. Photo courtesy of Jane Gershovich/Seattle Sounders FC.

Share:

More Posts

Send Us A Message