July 11th
The Timbers came out strong against El Paso with strong play by
everyone on the pitch. El Paso did not rollover and play dead as they
tested Josh Saunders many times in goal. The thing which stands out in
the match was the fouls called on the Timbers by Referee Ricardo
Valenzuela. Four yellow cards on the Timbers in the first half alone
with El Paso flopping on the ground every chance they got. This style
of play is always done by El Paso and the Referee falls for it every
time. The scoring was started off a great pass from Tennyson to Hugo
in the 22nd minute. Hugo took his time and placed the ball past the
keeper for his first goal of the season. El Paso got back into the
game when a handball was called on Bryn Ritchie in the box. Andrade
put in the PK for El Paso in the 38th minute of play. Just before half
time Hugo took a corner kick and Lee Morrison put into the back of the
net on a header for a 2-1 Timbers lead. The Picture is Morrison's goal.

In the second half El Paso got back into the match on a rare keeper
mistake by Josh Saunders with Andrade getting the goal. The match
which is always physical with El Paso lived up to its reputation with
players going down all over the pitch. Defender Aaron Heinzen seemed
to be on the receiving end of many dirty plays by El Paso. This in
turned made Heinzen play even harder and resulted in what appeared to
be the winning goal by Aaron in the 78th minute. After a a hour and a
half review it was determined that the shot had deflected off Tennyson
and into the goal. For more on the match go to Portland Timbers. Com