PORTLAND
, Ore.
–
The Portland Timbers U-23s open their inaugural season in the Premier Development League (PDL) on May 9 at home against the Victoria Highlanders, it was announced today as the team unveiled its regular-season schedule for the 2009 season.
The Timbers U-23s 16-game schedule features four U.S. Open Cup qualifying matches in May and one doubleheader with the Timbers’ USL First Division team June 28 at PGE Park. The Timbers U-23s will split their home schedule between PGE Park and other venues in the greater-Portland area.
As part of the 10-team Northwest Division of the PDL’s Western Conference, the Timbers U-23s will compete against clubs from Oregon, Washington and British Columbia, including the Vancouver Whitecaps Residency, Kitsap Pumas, Cascade Surge, Tacoma Tide and Seattle Wolves.
As an amateur team, the Timbers U-23s will consist of standout players from collegiate and youth programs around the Northwest and serve as a development team for the Timbers first team. The PDL is North America’s top amateur league for players 23 years of age and younger and serves as a ground for elite and up-and-coming players.
In conjunction with the Oregon Premier Soccer League (OPSL), the Timbers U-23s will host the Abbotsford Mariners in their regular-season finale July 18 at Lincoln High School in Portland at 7 p.m. The OPSL is dedicated to promoting the highest level of amateur soccer in Oregon.
Information regarding ticket packages and individual game tickets for the Timbers U-23s will be released at a later time.
The PDL playoffs begin July 24, with the top three teams from each division advancing to the divisional championship. The eight divisional champions will then compete in the PDL Elite Eight Weekend starting July 31. The winning clubs from the PDL semifinals will play for the PDL title live on Fox Soccer Channel on Aug. 8.
Click here for a complete 2009 Timbers U-23s schedule.
