ORLANDO, FLA. – Oakland men's soccer standout and former two-time All-Summit League selection Steve Clark led the Portland Timbers to the Major League Soccer (MLS) is Back Tournament championship with a 2-1 win over Orlando City SC on Tuesday night from the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, Fla.
The victory gives Portland their second trophy in MLS, with a 2021 Concacaf Champions League spot and $300,000 in prize money going alongside the one-of-a-kind trophy as the bubble-like event in Orlando concludes with its 51st match.
The Timbers got on the scoresheet in the 27th minute via center back Larrys Mabiala, who nodded home a looping free kick from Diego Valeri for the 1-0 lead.
Orlando's pressure was rewarded, though, when Mauricio Pereyra bundled home at the near post. He latched onto Nani's low cross, drawing the Lions level at 1-1 in the 39th minute.
But another set piece gave Portland the ultimate game-winner in the 66th minute, this time through Dario Zuparic. After Eryk Williamson collected a Valeri corner kick with time and space, the Croatian center back swept home the eventual goalmouth scramble for a 2-1 lead.
During Clark's tenure at Oakland, the Mason, Mich. native, was a two-time All-Summit League selection in his final two seasons with Oakland and led the Golden Grizzlies to its first NCAA Tournament win over Michigan State in 2007. As a senior, Clark ranked eighth in the country with a 0.54 goals against average and was named to the All-Midwest Region First Team after posting a Summit League record-tying 11 shutouts. Clark also claimed Summit League Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2008. Clark also served as Oakland's Student-Body President.
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