~ Photo by Eric Cech

~ By Pearl Allison Lo

~ Both teams returning from the two week international break and their last matchup with each other, San Jose was eliminated in the 4th round of the Open Cup, with a 2-0 win by Portland Tuesday.

This was the third overall Open Cup matchup between the teams, all of them played in Portland. All had one side going scoreless.

Shots were almost even 10-9, but the Quakes had no shots on target compared to seven for the Timbers.

After being ejected last game, Portland’s Dairon Asprilla, who had the first goal, had four shots, with a season-high three on target.

The first goal was a questionable goal in the 34th minute. Jack Barmby sent a ball to Jack McInerney, who only got a touch on it. Matheus Silva’s slide to save then went off goalie Bryan Meredith and to Asprilla. What made the goal questionable was that while the ball made its way to the net, McInerney was behind Meredith and as Meredith missed and then made another attempt, it could be argued that McInerney prevented Meredith from making the save.

For the second goal, a hand ball by Silva set up a free kick. McInerney’s teammate then faked a kick right before McInerney made sure at least one of his team’s goals were not in doubt, as he sent the ball above the wall past Meredith in the 40th minute.

San Jose started having more possession in the 55th thru 70th minutes.

The Quakes’ Marvell Wynne stopped a breakaway by Neco Brett in the 91st minute.

Game notes: It was the Timbers’ second straight clean sheet in as many games. San Jose has now been shut out their past three games. Meredith made a season-high five saves. A bright spot for the Quakes: for the first time since Week Two, Clarence Goodson was seen on the bench. San Jose will return to MLS play again Saturday when they face Orlando City SC at 4:30pm.  In case you didn’t notice, @ for #PORvSJ, first time in the 18 since Week 2 #quakes74 #usoc