Kharlton Belmar’s 55th minute strike proved to be the winning goal for the Portland Timbers 2 as they defeated the defending PDL Champion Michigan Bucks 2-0 on Tuesday night in the second round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.
The first big chance of the game came in the 9th minute as the Michigan Bucks pressured in the Portland zone. They sustained possession in the box but were not able to get a shot off before the Portland defense cleared the ball. David Goldsmith gathered the clearance and drove towards the middle of the field before firing a low shot that just missed the far post.
It took Portland about 23 minutes to finally get themselves comfortable in the match. The Timbers were able to string some combination plays together to attempt to spring Kharlton Belmar in behind the Michigan defense. Michigan recovered as the ball was just beyond the reach of Belmar.
Portland nearly went up in the 27th minute after a Blair Gavin corner. Gavin whipped a ball in the middle that was contested by goalkeeper Stephen Patterson. The ball fell to Fatawu Safiu at the top of the box who fired in a half-volley that pinballed around the penalty area. It found its way out to the wing where it was crossed back into the danger area, somehow the ball beat the goalkeeper but did not cross the line though it was very close.
Michigan midfielder Calvin Rezende brought goosebumps to Portland goalkeeper Justin Luthy in the 35th minute. Rezende made a cutting run to the box, he received a pass and fired a curling shot to the far post but the ball just missed. It was another great opportunity for the home team.
Just a few minutes into the second half, the Bucks would see a very good look at goal. Michigan brought the ball into the Portland area on a counter-attack. The attack came down the left side before a ball was crossed into the middle into the path of Peri Marosevic. That ball slid past the intended target but nearly fell to the cutting defender Nick Wysong. Justin Luthy came off his line to make the big save keeping the match level at 0-0.
The breakthrough would come in the 55th minute as Kharlton Belmar headed home a curling cross to the back post from Seth Casiple. Patterson came out to cut down the angle but Belmar was able to place his header into the side netting to give the visitors a 1-0 lead.
Michigan with a big chance in the 84th minute as Zach Carroll looped a header towards the far post off a beautifully played corner kick. The headed effort was cleared by Blair Gavin to keep the lead at 1-0 for the Portland Timbers 2.
The final chance for Michigan came in second half stoppage time after a free kick from their own end. Patterson played the ball into the Portland half, after three passes Nick Wysong found the ball at his feet in space. Wysong took a first time shot that sailed over the bar.
Portland put the game away just a minute later as Fatawu Safiu slotted home the goal on a 3-v-1 breakout. Seth Casiple drew the keeper off his line before finding Fatawu open on the back post for the insurance goal.
With the win, the Portland Timbers 2 advance into the third round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. They will square off with the winner of the Seattle Sounders 2/Kitsap Pumas match from Starfire Sports Complex tomorrow night.