US Open Cup: Portland Timbers Preview
Seattle heads south to Portland to take on the USL Timbers in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup on Wednesday.
The Sounders have earned their spot into the Third Round of the US Open Cup by defeating Real Salt Lake and the Colorado Rapids in the two MLS Play-In matches.
Portland has reached the Third Round as a USL-1 representative by defeating the Kitsap Pumas and the Sonoma County Sol to meet Seattle. Both of their Open Cup wins were 3-0 victories for the Timbers.
The Timbers are currently on a tear in their 2009 Campaign. They are sporting a 7-1-5 (26pts) on the USL season. Since their opening day loss to the Vancouver Whitecaps, they are on a 15 game undefeated streak in friendlies as well as USL and USOC competitions since April 25th.
Mandjou Keita has scored 2 goals for Portland in their two USOC matches. The Guinean native also is also leading the USL1 with 6 goals in 13 matches. He is also leading the league in shots; 1 ahead of teammate Ryan Pore who has 3 goals.
Historically, Seattle and Portland have played 59 matches. Seattle’s record is 33-21-5.
Kickoff is slated for 7p from PGE Park in Portland. The match will be aired on FSN following the Mariners – Yankees game which has a 405p start time.
As of last night, PGE Park was a mere 800 tickets away from being a sellout. [Buy Last Minute Tickets]
In the other matchup in Seattle’s pod, the Minnesota Thunder lost to the Kansas City Wizards. Should Sounders FC win, they would host KC in the quarterfinals next week.
International & Injury
The Sounders will be without Brad Evans and Tyrone Marshall who will be representing the US and Jamaica respectively in the Gold Cup. Osvaldo Alonso is most likely out with a high abductor strain. Steve Zakuani and Jarrod Smith have been practicing.
Fredy Montero, Nate Jaqua, and Freddie Ljungberg are in Portland but are unlikely to start. In net, head coach Sigi Schmid was still undecided on Kasey Keller or newly signed keeper, Terry Boss.
It appears that the Sounders will try to wear Rave Green as the Timbers will wear their dark green jersey. The ultimate contrast decision will come down to the referee.
