PORTLAND
, Ore.
–
The United Soccer Leagues announced today that Portland Timbers forward
Matt Taylor
was selected to the USL First Division Team of the Week for Week 18. Taylor recorded his first points for the Timbers in a 2-2 draw on the road against the Minnesota Thunder on Aug. 16.
Down 1-0 against the Thunder, Taylor received a well-placed pass from
Lawrence Olum
to force a one-on-one with Minnesota goalkeeper Nic Platter. Taylor scored his first goal in a league match inside the left post to tie the game at 1-1. In the 87th minute, Taylor earned his first assist of the season as he and second-half sub
Jaime Ambriz
set up a one-two combo that allowed Ambriz to deliver the 2-2 equalizer.
Taylor, 25, joined the Timbers on July 25 from Major League Soccer’s Chivas USA. In six matches with Portland, the Irvine, Calif., native has logged 501 minutes in six matches, scored one goal and recorded an assist. Taylor played his collegiate soccer career at UCLA with current Timbers teammates
Leonard Griffin
and
Scot Thompson
.
Thirteen different Timbers players have been selected to the USL First Division Team of the Week this season.
The Timbers play host to the Charleston Battery at PGE Park on Jersey-Off-Our-Back Night on Thursday at 7 p.m. On Thursday night, the Timbers’ regular-season home finale, fans have the opportunity to take home a Timbers’ yellow jersey from their favorite player through a silent bid held before and during the game. Proceeds from the auction will benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association. The first 2,000 fans on a Miller Lite Thursday presented by Jammin’ 95.5 will receive Timbers caps courtesy of Volkswagen.
Tickets, starting at $10, are available through the PGE Park box office, area Ticketmaster outlets, online at www.ticketmaster.com or by phone at (503) 224-4400.
