Saturday, May 26, 2007

PTFC Win 2-0 Over The California Victory

Official Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TIMBERS SHUTOUT CALIFORNIA 2-0 AT PGE PARK
Jordan scores a goal and assists another in Timbers victory

PORTLAND, Ore. - Forward Bryan Jordan netted his second goal of the season and tallied an assist to help the Portland Timbers defeat the California Victory 2-0 at PGE Park Friday night in front of 4,795. With the match's attendance, the Timbers creep to within a few hundred fans to eclipse the 500,000 regular-season attendance mark.

The Timbers (3-1-1, 10pts) defense held the Victory (0-3-1, 1pt) to only three shots in the match helping goalkeeper Josh Wicks record his second shut out victory of the season. The Timbers have played 192 consecutive minutes of shut out soccer, the last goal allowed was in the 78th minute in the match against Seattle at PGE Park on May 11.

Defender Scot Thompson contributed to the victory scoring his first goal of the season in the 9th minute -also his first goal since June of 2006.

With the win the Timbers are now 3-0-1 at home and have outscored opponents 9-3 at PGE Park.

With Friday's attendance of 4,795, the Timbers are within a few hundred fans to break the 500,000 regular-season attendance mark. Since 2001, and including the 2007 season the Timbers have had 499,263 fans visit PGE Park for Timbers matches.

The Timbers jumped on the board in the 9th minute courtesy of Thompson. The play developed on a free kick by midfielder Andrew Gregor at the top right corner of the penalty area. His ball into the box connected with defender Cameron Knowles, but Knowles' shot was deflected by California goalkeeper Eric Reed out to Jordan on the wing. Jordan slotted the ball to Thompson, four yards out from goal, who re-directed the ball inside the far post for an early Timbers' lead.

In the 54th minute Jordan gave the Timbers a 2-0 lead over the Victory cleaning up a loose ball in front of the net. Gregor, on the right touch line about 30 yards from goal, sent a cross to forward Chris Bagley on the far post. Bagley's header was stopped by Reed, who appeared to take control of the ball. But Jordan found the loose ball and finished it for his second goal of the season and second in three matches.

The Timbers play their second match in three days on Sunday at PGE Park when they face the Carolina Railhawks at 6 p.m.

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