Timbers U-23s fall 1-0 on late goal to Sounders FC U-23

TUMWATER, Wash. – A goal in second-half stoppage time by forward Jamael Cox helped the Seattle Sounders FC U-23 defeat the Portland Timbers U-23s 1-0 at Tumwater High School on Saturday, ending Portland’s five-game winning streak to open the 2012 Premier Development League season.

Cox, a second-half sub, provided the match’s lone goal one minute into second-half stoppage time, putting home a shot off a pass from Facundo Dipasquale. The Timbers U-23s were handed their first loss of the season, despite owning the better share of the scoring chances in the second half, recording seven shots and eight corner kicks in the half.

The goal was Cox’s first of the season, Dipasquale recorded his first assist and goalkeeper Doug Herrick logged fives saves to lead the Sounders FC U-23s (3-1-3, 12pts) to their first home win of the campaign.

Playing their second match in as many days, forwards Mark Sherrod and Erik Hurtado and midfielder Steven Evans combined for six shots and goalkeeper Spencer Richey made two saves for the Timbers U-23s (5-1-0, 15pts). Even with the loss, the Timbers U-23s remain at the top of the PDL’s Northwest Division.

The Timbers U-23s open a two-game week Wednesday, June 6, as they visit the Washington Crossfire at Redmond High School at 7 p.m. (Pacific). Portland then faces rival the Kitsap Pumas on the road Saturday, June 9, at Bremerton Memorial Stadium at 7 p.m. (Pacific).

Notes: Saturday’s match marked the first meeting between Seattle and Portland in the PDL … The Sounders FC U-23 were formally known as the Tacoma Tide … Portland out-shot Seattle 10-6, including a 7-3 margin in the second half … The Timbers U-23s matched a season-high with nine corner kicks against Sounders FC U-23 … The Timbers U-23s were without assist leader Cam Vickers, who started and played all 90 minutes for the Timbers Reserves in an MLS Reserve League match against the LA Galaxy Reserves at JELD-WEN Field on Saturday night … Portland was shut out for the first this season and for the first time in 14 matches dating back to last season … The last time the Timbers U-23s were shut out was June 11, 2011, in a 1-0 road loss to the Abbotsford Mariners … The Timbers U-23s have recorded double-digit shots in five of their six games this season.