TUKWILA, WA. - Aaron Kovar scored in the third minute and Zach Mathers added a second-half penalty kick, pacing the Seattle Sounders to a 2-1 victory over the Portland Timbers at Starfire Soccer Complex in the 2017 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup fourth round.
Starting a lineup primarily comprised of Sounders FC 2 players who had been signed to short-term contracts by the squad, the Sounders got off to a quick start through a couple first teamers.
Seattle jumped on top in the third minute off a finish from Kovar that was set up by a pinpoint cross from left back Nouhou. It was Kovar's first goal of 2017 after making his 2017 debut in early June
Portland’s Augustine Williams would equalize with a headed finish in the 38th minute sending the teams into the halftime break tied 101.
However, Seattle would regain the lead early in the second half. A handball saw the Sounders earn a penalty kick and Mathers would make no mistake. Mathers’ PK after a handball in the box in the 54th would prove to be the dagger, sending the Sounders through to the USOC round of 16. The draw for the round will be held on Thursday, June 15th.
