It was hardly the most beautiful game ever played, but it certainly had an ending to remember. Ike Opara scored on a header off a corner kick in the 120th minute as the San Jose Earthquakes beat the Portland Timbers 1-0 to advance to the final round of MLS qualifying for the U.S. Open Cup. The Earthquakes, who have the right to host the match, will play the Chicago Fire for a spot in the main draw of the tournament on a date to be determined.
U.S. Open Cup Qualifying: San Jose Earthquakes Eliminate Portland Timbers On 120th Minute Goal
Sporting Kansas City will host the New England Revolution on May 25 for the other MLS qualifying spot. The winners of those matches will join the other six MLS teams that earned automatic berths in the tournament.
The Timbers used a lineup of mostly reserves, with Troy Perkins being the only obvious first-choice selection. The Earthquakes countered with a team that featured several regular starters, including Chris Wondolowski.
The win was the first in Open Cup play for the Earthquakes since they returned to MLS in 2008. The Earthquakes have not made the tournament’s main draw since 2004.
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