Metro suffers letdown in Portland, 2:0
August 19, 2017
After the glory of Tuesday's Open Cup victory, this one looked to be a letdown. That is what we got, as Jesse Marsch trotted out a clear second-choice lineup, electing to rest a number of key players. That being said, Metro did not acquit itself too terribly, allowing just two shots on goal in Portland... Unfortunately, those shots ended up in the back of the net, as the Timbers won 2:0.
Here's the lineup for posterity: Luis Robles (of course), Kemar Lawrence, Aurelien Collin, and Fidel Escobar on defense, Connor Lade and Sal Zizzo Jr. at wing backs, Felipe (of course), Dilly Duka, Derrick Etienne, and Vincent Bezecourt in midfield, with Gonzalo Veron up front. Escobar, Duka, and Bezecourt were making their Metro debuts. That lineup had to be adjusted in the 27th minute, as Collin was hurt once again. He was replaced by Sean Davis.
The game-winner game in the 65th. Portland was attacking up Metro's left side, and it looked that Kemar Lawrence was fouled on the play, as he was dropped to the ground. No infraction was called, the ball was crossed into the box, and Diego Valeri beat Robles.
Metro had a chance to even the score when Gonzalo Veron was brought down just outside the box, with Larrys Mabiala earning a straight red with 10 minutes left. Escobar's free kick just missed to the left. Metro had chances the rest of the way, but Zizzo Jr.'s header was saved, and Veron reverted to his usual self, missing the net entirely.
The second goal came deep into injury time, with Robles caught up field in an attempt to help on a free kick. A hockey-style empty netter set the scoreline.
With the blue poseurs in town next week, let's hope we got the letdown out of the way...
Lineup: Robles, Lawrence, Collin, Escobar, Lade, Zizzo, Martins, Duka, Bezecourt, Etienne, Veron. Subs: Davis, Long, Kljestan.
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