SAN JOSE, Calif. — The San Jose Earthquakes Reserves received a long-range strike from midfielder Jean-Marc Alexandre early in the second half to defeat the Portland Timbers Reserves 1-0 in the MLS Reserve League season-opener for both teams Tuesday at the Earthquakes Training Center.
The Earthquakes Reserves broke through with the game’s only goal in the 53rd minute. Midfielder Anthony Ampaipitakwong cut through the penalty box before feeding forward Alan Gordon, who laid the ball back toward Alexandre outside the left edge of the area. Alexandre took a touch before powering a left-footed shot from 25 yards out, low and inside the far post.
The Timbers Reserves outshot the Earthquakes Reserves, 19-12, and forced San Jose goalkeeper David Bingham to make four saves to earn the shutout. Portland produced an early scoring chance when forward Sebastián Rincón’s shot was saved by Bingham and forward Bright Dike’s effort on the rebound was blocked away by a defender.
Inside the final 10 minutes of the match, Timbers defender Ryan Kawulok and midfielder Sal Zizzo, making his first appearance in 2012, each had chances to find the equalizer. Kawulok’s effort was turned away by Bingham, and Zizzo’s dangerous free kick in stoppage time was cleared by a San Jose defender.
Timbers goalkeeper Joe Bendik made four saves in the loss, including an early stop on a shot by Sercan Guvenisik in the eighth minute. Just before halftime, Bendik came up with a kick save in a one-on-one situation with Earthquakes rookie Cesar Diaz Pizarro.
The Timbers Reserves return to action Tuesday, April 10, against the Seattle Sounders FC Reserves at Starfire Sports Complex in Tukwila, Wash.; kickoff is set for 7 p.m. (Pacific).
Portland Timbers Reserves (0-1-0, 0pts) at San Jose Earthquakes Reserves (1-0-0, 3pts) – MLS Reserve League
March 27, 2012 – Earthquakes Training Center
Scoring Summary:
SJ – Jean-Marc Alexandre (Alan Gordon, Anthony Ampaipitakwong) 53
Misconduct Summary:
SJ – Brad Ring (caution) 35
SJ – Kyle Kavey (caution) 64
SJ – Jean-Marc Alexandre (caution) 77
POR – Mike Chabala (caution) 85
SJ – GK David Bingham, Brad Ring (Jacob Hustedt 90), Jason Hernandez ©, ^Kyle Kaveny, Josh Suggs (Christian De Luna 81), Sam Garza, Jean-Marc Alexandre, Anthony Ampaipitakwong (Julio Cervantes 74), Simon Dawkins, Alan Gordon (Ellis McLoughlin 61), Sercan Guvenisik (Cesar Diaz Pizarro 24).
Sub not used: Evan Newton
Statistics: Shots: 12; Shots on Goal: 5; Saves: 4; Fouls: 17; Corner Kicks: 7; Offside: 3
POR – GK Joe Bendik, Ryan Kawulok, Steve Purdy, Chris Taylor, ^Kasali Casal, Charles Renken, Mike Chabala ©, Freddie Braun, Brent Richards, Bright Dike, ^Sebastián Rincón (Sal Zizzo 67).
Subs not used: ^Doug Herrick, ^Dylan Leslie
Statistics: Shots: 19; Shots on Goal: 4; Saves: 4; Fouls: 7; Corner Kicks: 4; Offside: 5
* - San Jose Earthquakes Academy player
^ - guest player/trialist
All statistics contained in this box score are unofficial
