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Sounders eliminate rival Timbers 2-1 in U.S. Open Cup

Seattle Sounders midfielder Aaron Kovar, second from left, is greeted by teammate Ray Saari, left, after Kovar scored a goal against the Portland Timbers during the first half of a U.S. Open Cup soccer match, Tuesday, June 13, 2017, in Tukwila, Wash. (Ted S. Warren / Associated Press)
Associated Press

TUKWILA, Wash. – Zach Mathers scored on a penalty kick early in the second half to break a 1-all tie, and the Seattle Sounders defeated rival Portland Timbers 2-1 in the fourth round of the U.S. Open Cup on Tuesday night.

Mathers’ penalty goal about 10 minutes into the second half came after Andre Lewis was whistled for a handball in the penalty area. It was the fourth time since 2009 the Sounders have eliminated their rivals to the south in the U.S. Open Cup. Portland eliminated Seattle from the competition in 2015 with a 3-1 victory after the Sounders had three players ejected.

Aaron Kovar gave Seattle an early lead scoring in the third minute off a cross from Nouhou Tolo. Augustine Williams answered in the 38th minute for Portland beating Seattle goalkeeper Tyler Miller. Seattle will play in the round of 16 of the tournament in late June.