Wilmington at Timbers
Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Jeld-Wen Field.
TV/radio: No TV/ AM 750.
Webstream: Portlandtimbers.com.
Tickets: 503-553-5555, portlandtimbers.com. This game is part of the Timbers’ season-ticket package, but tickets are available.
About the U.S. Open Cup: Now in its 100th year, the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup is open to any U.S. Soccer Federation club, amateur or professional. This is the third round of the single-elimination competition, with the 16 U.S.-based MLS teams matched against the 16 survivors. The 2013 tournament started with 68 entries.
Timbers’ tale: The Timbers are on an 11-match unbeaten streak in MLS play and stand second in the Western Conference behind FC Dallas. Argentine midfielder Diego Valeri missed Saturday’s win at D.C. United with a hamstring injury. He trained with the team on Tuesday, but coach Caleb Porter said the Timbers will be cautious with the creative Valeri. Portland was eliminated in this round last season, losing 1-0 in overtime to semi-pro Cal FC. In 2011, the Timbers beat Chivas USA in one play-in game, then lost to the San Jose Earthquakes in a second Open Cup play-in match.
Wilmington Hammerheads story: The North Carolina club is 11th in the 13-team USL Pro League with a 2-7 record. The Hammerheads beat the Premier Development League’s Austin Aztex 2-0 to advance to this match against the Timbers.
