Wednesday, June 20, 2007

PTFC Win Over AC Milan U-21s

Official Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


TIMBERS USE PENATLY KICKS TO DEFEAT AC MILAN PRIMAVERA 5-1

Timbers record fourth largest crowd since 2001 - 11,092

PORTLAND, Ore. - Midfielder Tom Taylor helped the Portland Timbers battle AC Milan Primavera to a 1-1 draw at the end of regulation in front of 11,092 at PGE Park Tuesday night. AC Milan Primavera rallied back to tie the exhibition with a one-man advantage and force game-deciding penalty kicks. The Timbers scored four straight from the penalty spot to defeat AC Milan's U-21 squad 5-1.

The 11,092 fans on hand for the international exhibition match is the fourth highest crowd in modern Timbers franchise history.

Taylor put the Timbers on the board in the first half as the Timbers enjoyed a 1-0 lead at halftime. AC Milan Primavera forward Enrico Traviani netted the equalizer in the 66th minute shortly after Timbers midfielder Andrew Gregor was ejected from the match forcing the Timbers to play a man down.

AC Milan Primavera strikers Kingsley Umbunegbu and Traviani created several dangerous chances throughout the match forcing Timbers goalkeeper Bayard Elfvin to record four saves as AC Milan Primavera outshot the Timbers 17-4.

Kingsley is one of two youth international players for AC Milan Primavera and a member Nigeria's U-19 National Team. The other is defender Matteo Darmian, who is a member of Italy's U-19 National Team.

The Timbers took the lead in the 24th minute on a goal by Taylor from 10 yards out. The play developed as midfielder Troy Ready worked the ball into the top left corner of the box. After receiving the ball, Taylor worked a quick give-and-go with Ambriz and was able to break through AC Milan Primavera's backline and skipped a low shot at the far post past goalkeeper Daniel Offredi.

Traviani notched the equalizer in the 66th minute as AC Milan Primavera played the final 34 minutes with a one-man advantage. After some crafty footwork around the box, Traviani slipped by the Timbers defense forcing a one-on-one with Elfvin and snuck the ball inside the near post.

Scoring penalty kicks for the Timbers were defenders Lee Morrison and Leonard Griffin, forward Luc Harrington and midfielder Kiki Lara.

The Timbers face the Montreal Impact of the USL First Division on Thursday at PGE Park. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.

Notes: With the win over AC Milan Primavera, the Timbers remain undefeated at home in 2007.

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