Latest update February 7th, 2025 2:57 PM
Latest News
- AFC Leader, Nigel Hughes says he welcomes any investigation into lands he acquired
- Pres. Ali defends Jagdeo’s attacks on critics
- VP Jagdeo tries to compare 75 acres of jungle lands Nigel Hughes wants to acquire with 35 acres of prime city lands sold to Ed Ahmad and others
- Greaves tells Govt ‘clean money’ used to acquire New York properties- Jagdeo
- Trump says Israel would hand Gaza to the US after fighting is over
Portland Timbers too good for Alpha United on CCL debut
It was double history for US Major League Soccer side Portland Timber who defeated home team Alpha United 4-1 on the CONCACAF Champions League debut at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence last evening.
Portland goalie Andrew Weber is beaten by a bullet of a shot from Alpha United’s Barbosa Murilo in the 45th minute.
Embarking on the longest trip in CONCACAF Champions League history for a single game (2500 miles from Portland to Boston and another 2500 miles from Boston to the north coast of South America), Portland did not show any signs of a tough journey as they journeyed to a comfortable and compact win over the Guyana champions.
Two goals either side of play earned Portland Timbers, currently in sixth place in the Western Conference with a 7-10-7 record and 31 points, chasing one of five conference playoff berths, full points against Alpha which suffered their second loss in as many matches at home, having also lost to Olimpia of Honduras.
Steve Zakuani of Zimbabwe and one of six players who have CCL experience, scored his first goal in Portland uniform when he slotted home the opener in the 18th minute of play, beating Ronson Williams in goal for Alpha.
Such was the confidence of Portland on debut that they started the game playing a very high defence but that changed as the game progressed and Alpha eased into some form going forward.
Ronson Williams in goal for Alpha was called into early duty (4th minute) having to tip the ball over the bar from a well taken corner by Michael Nanchoff. In the 13th minute good work by midfielders Gregory Richardson and Aldair Paredes and forward Kithson Bain almost saw Alpha taking the lead but Paredes’ shot sailed over the cross bar.
They (Portland) almost doubled the lead three minutes after going ahead as they continued to look a well oiled unit; Alpha did their best to keep up with the pace of a side that rested 10 of its main players.
The starting X1 for the visitors brought to the pitch a combined match experience of 116 games in the MLS this season and that was the level Alpha were up against. Portland doubled the lead in the 34th minute, Argentine Maximiliano Urruti easing into the box and with only Williams to beat, drilled a powerful right foot shot to the keepers right.
Steve Zakuani (on ball) scorer of Portland’s opening goal in the 18th controls play for his side.
But just on the brink of half time, Alpha managed to ease their way back into contention with a well executed free kick from about 35 yards out; taken by defender Barbosa Murilo after Gregory Richardson drew the foul. Murilo’s shot dipped just under the cross bar to elude goalkeeper Andrew Weber.
It was the perfect way to end the half for the home team which showed some zest at the start of the second half, even forcing an early corner.
Fresh legs were introduced by both sides, the Guyanese side made their first substitution in the 51st minute when Kester Jacobs was introduced for Manuel Vargas.
Four minutes later, Portland made their first sub, goal scorer Urruti was replaced by Fanendo Adi of Nigeria. One minute later Alpha made their second sub, forward Kithson Bain made way for Manasseh Primo.
With fresh legs introduced, it was Portland that maintained their dominance and looked threatening with every attack as Alpha were placed on the defensive. Portland underlined their dominance 66 minutes on when substitute Adi guided the ball past Williams for their third goal, the end result of another excellent build up and clinical finishing.
From this juncture it was going to be an uphill task for Alpha as the visitors looked more and more menacing when going forward. The fourth and final goal, was scored in the 83rd minute, Rodney Wallace of Costa Rica squaring the ball into the box, Williams at full stretch missed the ball which went into the path of Alvas Powell of Jamaica who patted home calmly.
Similar Articles
THE BLUNT OF THE DAY
Sports
Features/Columnists
What Guyanese leaders can learn from Donald Trump
Peeping Tom… Kaieteur News-There is little dispute that Donald Trump knows how to make an entrance. He does so without... more
OAS Secretary General Election and renewed OAS Consensus
Antiguan Barbudan Ambassador to the United States, Sir Ronald Sanders By Sir Ronald Sanders Kaieteur News- The upcoming election... more
Weekend Cartoon
