Alvarez leads the way as Timbers win exhibition match

Portland beats U.A.N.L. Tigres, 2-0

The Portland Tribune, Jul 15, 2008, Updated Oct 30, 2009

Forward Byron Alvarez tallied a goal and an assist to help the Portland Timbers capture a 2-0 win over Mexican club U.A.N.L. Tigres in an international exhibition match at PGE Park before a spirited crowd of 8,375 on Tuesday.

The Timbers offense came alive in the second half as they outshot Tigres 10-4 and used second-half strikes from Alvarez and defender Justin Thompson to seal the win.

Alvarez, the Timbers modern franchise leading scorer with 41 goals from 2003-06, suited up for the Timbers as a guest player for the exhibition against Tigres. In his first appearance with Portland since the 2006 season, he helped the Timbers net both goals within a two-minute span.

Goalkeeper Brad Knighton logged five saves through 80 minutes of play to pick up his first win and shutout as a member of the Timbers.

Down by two goals, Tigres, which competes in Mexico's Primera Division, subbed in their international stars in forwards Francisco Fonseca and Panamanian national team striker Blas Perez in the second half to add life to the Mexican side, but the Timbers backline and goalkeeping tandem of Knighton and Chase Harrison held strong for the clean sheet.

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