Photo credit: T2
Seattle Sounders 2 (2)-Portland Timbers 2 (1)
T2 may not have come away with any points in their regular season opener, but they left with a solid performance to build on. Outside of the two minutes when they conceded twice, Portland looked the better side, defending well and creating plenty of chances.
The first chance came in the 8th minute when striker Jeremy Ebobisse found himself unmarked on a corner kick but was only able to head the ball of the crossbar. T2 would continue to threaten on set pieces and the counter until the 30th minute when they found their goal. Striker Augustine Williams made a far post run where he met a cross from right back Jimmy Mulligan for a tap in.
Portland did not look content to the enter halftime with a 1-0 lead and searched for a second goal. It was Seattle, however, who would have the lead at the end of the half. In the 42nd minute Mulligan brought down winger Nicholas Hinds inside the area and Seattle was awarded a penalty. Forward Felix Chenkam lined up at the penalty spot and converted the attempt. Two minutes later, S2 took the lead when 20-year-old Hinds scored off a nifty backheel assist from midfielder David Olsen.
T2 found extended stretches of possession in the second half as they searched for an equalizer. Portland was especially dangerous on the right side. Deployed in a much more attacking role than his usual right back spot, 18-year-old Harold Hanson was constant threat with his incisive movement and willingness to send crosses into the box.
The 62nd minute provided an excellent chance for T2 striker Williams second goal, but S2 defender Sam Rogers made a timely tackle to avert danger.
S2
