Portland moves on to the Round of 32 in the 2023 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.
Wednesday evening treated the city of roses to exquisite warm spring weather, just right for the Timbers' first Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup match of the year. In the third round of the historic tournament, Portland played host to USL Championship side Orange County SC.
Making his grand return and wearing the captain's armband was Timbers number 10 Sebastián Blanco. Portland looked comfortable and confident in the first 45 minutes of action. Aside from one dangerous approach by the visitors, it was the Timbers who constantly approached Cody Cropper's box. Free kicks and corners rained down on the Orange County SC keeper. Through 35 minutes of play, he avoided conceding to the Timbers.
In the 37th minute however, Marvin Loria struck it home with a left-footed blast from the semi-circle, giving the Timbers the 1-0 lead. This left Cropper firm in his stance unable to stop the net-bound ball. Loria ran to the sidelines, picked up a ball, tucking it into his shirt, a fitting tribute to his soon-to-be-born first child.
The second half brought more smoke to Providence Park, courtesy of first team debutants Tyler Clegg and Jaroslaw Niezgoda.
Just three minutes after the start of the game, the Timbers added to their lead via Clegg's header at the far right post. A Bonilla cross from the left reached a waiting Tyler Clegg. His powerful header was too much for Cropper to handle, and he could not keep the ball from crossing the line. It was his first goal in green and gold in his senior debut.
Orange County SC responded just six minutes later via a Milan Iloski screamer that Hunter Sulte could not touch.
Portland however, double-downed defensively and closed the game down confidently. In stoppage time Jaroslaw Niezgoda added the insurance goal following a Cropper howler. The Orange County SC keeper fumbled a ball in the six-yard box, and Niezgoda easily tapped the ball across the line. He too celebrated in tribute, tucking the ball into his shirt as he awaits the arrival of his second child.
Portland disposed of Orange County comfortably to secure their spot in the round of 32 of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. Soccer City will be on alert for the next round opponent announced on April 27.
