The Seattle Sounders may have had the better first-half opportunities, but it was the Portland Timbers who struck first, scoring an own-goal in the 46th minute to take a 1-0 lead on Saturday. While the goal may have deflected off Sounders defender Jeff Parke, it was created by the work of Kalif Alhassan. The speed right winger blew past Sounders left back Tyson Wahl, entered the penalty area essentially unmarked and sent a cross toward the goal mouth. The ball deflected off Parke's heal and past goalkeeper Kasey Keller inside the near post.
Portland Timbers Vs. Seattle Sounders: Own Goal Gives Timbers 1-0 Lead
The play started at about midfield when Wahl took a bad angle on a ball and allowed Alhassan to get behind him. Alhassan then took the ball down the right side with Jorge Perlaza making the near post run. Parke never appeared to see the ball.
Shortly after, the Timbers had another quality chance, but the ball was just ouf of Perlaza’s reach.
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