Express Shows Some Signs of Life, 17-12 : But That Could End Monday at USFL Owners’ Meeting

Steve Young and Frank Seurer each tossed a touchdown pass Saturday night, lifting the Los Angeles Express to a 17-12 victory over the Portland Breakers.

The game may have been the finale in the Express’ three-year United States Football League history. President and General Manager Don Klosterman said earlier the team, which has been financed by the league this season, could be disbanded at an owners’ meeting Monday.

A crowd of 8,410 showed up at the Memorial Coliseum, the second lowest in the franchise’s history.

The off-field turmoil did not appear to bother the Express (3-7), who scored two touchdowns for the first time in six games.

The Express scored the second time it had the ball as Young hit Mike Sherrod with a two-yard touchdown pass with 3:31 left in the first quarter.

Portland got on the scoreboard when Tim Mazzetti kicked a 50-yard field goal five seconds into the second quarter. The three-pointer was set up by Louis Jackson’s 53-yard kickoff return.

Young suffered a thigh injury early in the second quarter and was replaced by Seurer, who threw an eight-yard scoring pass to Jojo Townsell with 5:28 left in the second quarter.

The five-play, 83-yard drive was highlighted by Seurer’s 71-yard completion to Duane Gunn. It was the Express’ longest pass play this season.

Young returned to the game on the next series.

Portland narrowed the margin to 14-9 when Doug Woodward connected with Jackson on a two-yard touchdown pass 1:53 into the third quarter. The score came two plays after Alex Clark blocked Jeff Partridge’s punt and the ball rolled out of bounds at the Los Angeles’ four-yard line.

The Express took the ensuing kickoff and drove 45 yards in seven plays, setting up Tony Zendejas’ 52-yard field goal, the longest in team in history.

Portland closed the scoring when Mazzetti kicked a 41-yard field goal with 2:39 left in the third quarter.