Portland, Oregon - Points and goals have been scarce for Virginia Beach this season. And when Mariner midfielder Tim O'Neill was called for a handball in the box in the 6th minute of the match Saturday night, and the undefeated Portland Timbers converted the penalty kick to go up 1-0, it seemed like it would be the same old story for our boys in blue. And when the Timbers midfielder Aaron Lines scored again six minutes into the second half to take Portland up 2-0, the 7,048 fans on hand and the Timbers coaching staff relaxed.
That's when the Mariners took over, scoring twice in 24 minutes to pull the game even and then held on to come away with a draw.
Following a Timbers' shot on goal in the 60th minute, Mariner keeper Matt Nelson sent the ball to midfielder Tim O'Neill. O'Neill spotted forward David Castellanos flying up the middle of the field toward goal on a counter attack and sent the ball in his direction. Castellanos was able to get his head on it, beating Portland keeper Josh Saunders to make the score 2-1. Twenty minutes later, in the 80th minute, midfielder Darren Caskey was held in the box and converted on his penalty kick to even the score 2-2.
The Mariners were playing the third game in four days. Saturday's match marked the end of their west coast swing that included a 1-0 loss in stoppage time to Seattle on Wednesday and a 3-1 loss to undefeated Portland Friday night. Saturday night's draw with an unbeaten side was a good, solid end to a grueling week on the road.
The Mariners will be back at the Sportsplex on June 4 at 7:30 hosting Seattle. This match will be Soccer Moms/Ladies Night and all Soccer Moms and Ladies will be admitted free when accompanied by a paying adult or child. Halftime will feature a Women's match and Ball Moms will "man" the sidelines for the Mariners' match.
For more information on the Mariners, to buy tickets or to be a Ball Mom on June 4th, please call 430-9800.
Scoring Summary:
Mariners: Castellanos (O'Neill) 60; Caskey 84
Portland: Alvarez 6, Lines (Saunders) 51
Lineups:
Mariners: Nelson, Danbusky, Knott, Morelli, Caskey, O'Neill, Fenger (Nolz 78), Thompson (Amani-Dove 80), Nusum (Bennett 68), Shak, Castellanos (Ukah 86).
Portland: Saunders, Wilkinson, Alcarez-Cuellar, Miranda, Antoniuk (Afash 80), Winters, Alvarez (Poltl, 80), Thompson, Lines, Heinzen, Saunders.
Shots: VB 17, POR 7; Saves: VB 1, POR 6; Fouls: VB 17, POR 12; Offsides: VB 4, POR 9; Corners: VB 7, POR 3.
Cautions: VB: Caskey 13, Thompson 20; POR Winters 27, Lines 51, Wilkinson 84.
Ejections: None
Penalty Kicks: POR: Alvarez 6; VB: Caskey 84.
Weather: Sunny, 80 degrees
Attendance: 7,048
Mariners' media contact:
Carol Senechal
757-430-9800
marinerssoccer05@aol.com
