Box to Box: Timbers lose, USNWT win, and more

Sunday saw a pair of extremely exciting soccer matches. The first was pleasing for all — the US Women’s National Team earning a come-from-behind PK win over Brazil. The second, for Timbers fans, was gut-wrenching. Taking the lead twice, Portland was unable to beat fierce rivals Seattle on Sunday, falling 3-2 following a late PK goal. Read the recaps here, plus hear from Jack Jewsbury about his MLS All-Star First XI selection and study up on the Chicago Fire.

While we’re on the subject of thrilling matches, few will ever top Sunday morning’s US Women’s National Team penalty kick victory over Brazil in the Women’s World Cup quarterfinals. The US National Team showed incredible resolve after losing a player to a red card ejection and falling a goal down in extra time before Abby Wambach connected on a brilliant header in the 122nd minute, sending the game to PKs.

Oregonian columnist John Canzano explains in his column following Sunday’s 3-2 loss to Seattle that the Timbers’ defense must hold itself accountable for the team’s recent winless streak.

On the other side, Josh Mayers of the Seattle Times brings us the Sounders FC side of the game recap with defender Jeff Parke calling his own goal a “blessing in disguise.”

Timbers captain and midfielder Jack Jewsbury received his first MLS All-Star selection in his nine-year career on Sunday. The honor was bittersweet for Jewsbury, who was disappointed after Sunday’s loss.

Read through the Portland Mercury’s live-blog of Sunday’s action and see head coach John Spencer’s press conference following the game.

The King of Draws
Each week, we’ll give you some insight behind enemy lines and show you what they’re saying about the Timbers’ opponent.

Recap the Chicago Fire’s 2-1 loss to the LA Galaxy on Saturday as David Beckham curled in a corner kick for the game-winning goal. All the highlights are at MLSSoccer.com

Chicago, which has a league-high 12 draws this season, has suffered from some similar defensive let-downs plaguing the Timbers. ChicagoNow.com blogger Guillermo Rivera touches on that topic, plus he reviews the Fire’s 2-1 loss to the Galaxy.