The Portland Timbers finally got a positive outcome against LAFC in 2019. (Diego G Diaz/ProstAmerika).
LAFC certainly approached its second season with trophies in mind.
The US Open Cup was certainly up for grabs for LAFC, as the team had won convincingly in its two USOC matches to coast into the quarterfinals, where LAFC at home, look to take one step closer towards lifting its first trophy.
However, the 2019 US Open Cup will not be the first trophy LAFC lifts, and the Portland Timbers made sure of that. Jeremy Ebobisse’s strike late in the second half enabled the Timbers to advance to the semifinals of the US Open Cup following its 1-0 decision at Banc of California Stadium.
“We let one get away,” LAFC head coach Bob Bradley said.
The Timbers win earns them a matchup with Minnesota United in the semi’s which will take place on August 7. More importantly, eliminating LAFC from the US Open Cup exacts a small measure of revenge for Portland for its two league losses at the hands of LAFC, the last one when the Timbers reopened a recently renovated Providence Park. Even more satisfying, Portland hands LAFC its first home loss in any competition this season.
After 83 scoreless minutes, and with overtime becoming more and more likely, the Timbers made a late push and got the lead. Sebastian Blanco played a ball to Brian Fernandez, who made a cutting move inside to throw off Eddie Segura, LAFC left back Jordan Harvey actually beat Fernandez to the ball, but his touch sent the ball Portland’s way into the LAFC penalty area, where Ebobisse, despite being offside was allowed to get the ball, Ebobisse, who scored in the Timbers’ lone visit to Banc of California Stadium back in March, shot a one-timer that beat Pablo Sisniega far post to give the Timbers the lead.
LAFC had one good look at an equalizer in the 85th minute, as Adama Diomande chased down Harvey’s throw in, rounded Larrys Mabiala into the penalty area, took the shot, but keeper Steve Clark made the kick save out of the penalty area. Carlos Vela had two chances himself in stoppage time, but a free kick just missed over the crossbar, and a bicycle kick attempt was blocked by Mark Valentin.
Portland had two great chances to grab the lead in the first half. The first came in the 29th minute, as Cristian Paredes took a pass from Diego Chara, evaded two LAFC defenders and broke for the penalty area. Paredes took the shot from just outside the penalty area, but Sisniega got his hands on the ball and parried the shot over the end line. On the ensuing corner, Marvin Loria sent the corner into the box, the ball took a deflection before Mabiala fired a one-timer at goal, but Sisniega made the save and the ball was eventually cleared out.
The scenario repeated himself in the 33rd minute, only this time, Mabiala headed the ball at goal, but Sisniega parried the shot over the crossbar. Then in the 35th minute, Loria took a ball from Blanco, raced for goal, but chose to take the shot himself instead of trying to attempt a pass to Fernandez, who had a better look, and Loria’s shot missed the far post.
“We had a period in the first half where we struggled for control,” Bradley said.
With its US Open Cup hopes dashed, LAFC now focuses on league play, but they will do so on very short rest, as LAFC travels to Houston to face the Dynamo in the sweltering head in just two days.
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