USL FIRST DIVISION WEEKEND ROUND-UP

July 16, 2007 - Portland Timbers are the new leaders of the USL First Division after claiming two home wins over California Victory on the weekend.

The Oregon-based club are the first side to reach the 30-point mark in USL-1 this season and have at least three games in hand on their nearest rivals.

Gavin Wilkinson’s side replaced Pacific Northwest rivals Seattle Sounders at the summit of the league standings, with Seattle having leapfrogged long-time leaders Vancouver Whitecaps after beating Bob Lilley’s side 1-0 at Qwest Field on Thursday evening. Frenchman Sebastien Le Toux scored a first-half winner for the Sounders.

Friday saw three games take place, with Montreal Impact getting a late strike from Canadian international Antonio Ribeiro in a 1-0 win at Carolina RailHawks. In Puerto Rico, the Islanders won the first of two home meetings with Charleston Battery, as Noel Fabrice scored twice in a 3-1 success. Portland started the weekend with a 1-0 win over the Victory, as Bryan Jordan struck the decisive goal for the Timbers.

Four straight victories have moved Atlanta Silverbacks to within touching distance of the USL-1 frontrunners after Jason Smith’s side defeated Rochester Raging Rhinos 4-1 in Georgia on Saturday. It was Atlanta’s second straight result over the Rhinos in recent weeks. Saturday also saw the Whitecaps finally come home to Swangard Stadium after an extended road trip, but Miami FC spoiled the party with a 2-1 victory.

The weekend concluded with three games on Sunday. Puerto Rico claimed another three points off of Charleston after a thrilling 4-3 win at the Juan Ramon Loubriel Stadium, with Englishman Taiwo Atieno scoring two goals for the Islanders. Montreal were brought back down to earth after a 3-0 defeat at Minnesota Thunder, with Aaron Paye involved in all three of the Thunder’s goals. Finally, Portland made it five wins out of five against California this season, as a second-half David Hague hat-trick gave the Timbers a 4-1 victory and took the Oregon club two points clear of Seattle at the top of USL-1.

More News
Return To Whitecaps News