The Sounders FC Reserves took on the Portland Timbers Reserves in a heated rivalry match tonight. The thunderous Sounders faithful were cheering in full support as the game kicked off. It didn’t take long for the action to start. In the 6th minute a Timbers player ripped a shot to the far post but it was saved by a diving Marcus Hahnemann. The next bit of excitement came from a streaking sideline run by Leo Gonzales. Gonzales cut the ball back to the top of the box with a beautiful cross and it was met by a laser beam volley that went just inches wide of the post; the goalie would have had no chance. Each team had their opportunities, but nothing hit the back of the net. The defense was solid for both teams throughout resulting in a 0-0 score going into halftime.
The second half began and it took only two minutes before the first great opportunity on goal. The Sounders midfielder, Alex Caskey, found himself just inside the box with a half step of room when he attempted to volley it over the keeper. The Timbers keeper had an amazing save to tip it inches over the bar. There was another great opportunity on the resulting corner kick, but once again the ball could not find the net. The Sounders were dominating the first 10 minutes of the 2nd half and that led them to a number of corner kicks, but unfortunately no goals. The action slowed and Hahnemann had a few comfortable saves but there was nothing important to note until the 76th minute when Jordan Morris of the Sounders came dangerously close to making it 1-0. He was near the corner of the 18-yard box when he shot an absolute missile that hit side netting. 10 minutes later the Timbers fired in a corner kick that bounced around the box for a couple of seconds before finding Valencia’s right foot. He slotted it nicely into the far corner for a Timbers goal, putting them up 1-0. With only 4 minutes left, the Sounders pushed the pace and pressured the Timbers defensive line even more. In the 88th minute the Sounders had a shot that would have tied the game, but was saved brilliantly by the Timbers goalkeeper. Seconds later, the Sounders whipped in a corner kick that met the head of Lamar Neagle and then met the post with a loud crack. They came painfully close to tying the match, but that would end up being the last chance for the Sounders Reserves team. The final score of this tight, hard fought match was 1-0.
