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The Toronto Lynx opened their 2005 campaign this evening away to the Portland Timbers dropping a 3-0 result at PGE Park. Tonight's game was the second meeting in the history of the two clubs, with the first meeting ended in a 3-0 victory for the Lynx on August 3, 2001. This evening's Lynx loss ended their record of victorious season openers stretching back two years. Portland hoped to start their season brightly and carry over their impressive form from the 2004 season that led them to a 18-7-3 record and first place in the Western Conference. The Lynx, hoping to improve from their 10-16-2 record in 2004, sought a win away to the last year's Western Conference leaders. The Lynx began well in the first half, with an impressive defense display that held Portland to 4 shots and no goals. Toronto, in turn, recorded 4 shots at Portland goalkeeper Josh Saunders. There were no goals after 45 minutes, but early into the second half, Portland took the lead through midfielder Brian Winters after 50 minutes. Portland doubled their lead nine minutes later after Edwin Miranda connected with 2004 USL Assist Leader Hugo Alcarez-Cuellar's pass. Portland made it 3-0 in the 84th minute through Byron Alvarez's first goal of the season. The game ended in scrappy fashion with cautions being handed out to Alcarez-Cuellar in the 87th minute, and the Lynx' Rumba Munthali in the 88th. Lynx Head Coach Hubert Busby Junior was satisfied with the team's system, but lamented at missed opportunities and costly mistakes; "The difference tonight was that we failed to take our opportunities. Against a good team you are punished when you make mistakes. On the bright side, the team has bought into the system we are trying to play and we will be looking for a better result tomorrow night." The Lynx hope to improve on this evening's performance when they head north tomorrow to face Canadian rivals the Vancouver Whitecaps, who finished second to Portland last season in the Western Conference.