PORTLAND, Ore. – Playing their second game of 2016, the Timbers U-23s were unable to overcome a two-goal deficit, falling 2-0 to La Maquina in the first round of the 2016 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup at Providence Park on Wednesday night.
La Maquina benefited from forward Alejandro Velazquez’s near-post finish in the sixth minute and forward Edwin Borboa’s breakaway finish in stoppage time to secure the 2-0 victory.
Searching for a goal, the Timbers U-23s threatened in the 13th minute when defender Niko De Vera released forward Tim Mueller from Portland’s defensive half. With a driving run towards the near post, the Mueller unleashed a low, left-footed shot, but it was parried away out of bounds for a corner kick.
Outshooting La Maquina 11-10, the Timbers U-23s created several opportunities in the second half, nearly pulling a goal back in the 77th minute as forward Anthony Macchione’s header forced the goalkeeper to make a diving save at the near post. In the 85th minute, forward Kyle Coffee reacted quickly to pounce on a loose ball at the top of the box, but his shot sailed high over the crossbar.
Portland returns to PDL action with consecutive matches at Providence Park as part of Providence Health & Fitness Day. The Timbers U-23s square off against Victoria Highlanders FC on Friday, May 20, and Lane United FC on Tuesday, May 24; kickoff for both matches is set for 11 a.m. (Pacific).
Scoring Summary
MAQ: Velazquez, 6
MAQ: Borboa, 90
Lineups
POR: Nelson, De Vera, Chavez, White, Coffee, Murphy (Martinez, 56), Johnson, Dee (Macchione, 72), Jones (Small, 53), Prescott, Mueller.
TOTAL SHOTS: 11; SHOTS ON GOAL: 4; FOULS: 12; SAVES: 2
MAQ: Sosa, Vasquez, Orozco (Palomares, 79), Borboa, Velazaquez (Godinez, 88), Godinez Jr. (Almaraz, 57), R. Perez, J. Perez, Paniagua, Ramirez, Martinez.
TOTAL SHOTS: 10; SHOTS ON GOAL: 4; FOULS: 12; SAVES: 4
