TUALATIN, Ore. – Despite creating several scoring chances in the second half, the Portland Timbers U-23s fell 1-0 against Sounders FC U23 on Sunday afternoon at Tualatin High School.
Minutes after a close scoring opportunity from Timbers U-23s midfielder Miguel Aguilar that forced a save by Sounders FC U23 goalkeeper Jeff Caldwell, Seattle (2-2-0, 6pts) took the lead when forward Luis Esteves created space in the left side of the penalty box and scored past Timbers U-23s goalkeeper Justin Luthy in the 56th minute.
Portland (1-2-2, 5pts) pushed offensively after conceding the opening goal and nearly leveled the match just two minutes later. Midfielder Jose Ribas was released down the left flank and delivered a cross to Aguilar at the far right post, but Aguilar’s shot struck the woodwork. Aguilar came close again in the 61st minute, but his shot from the right side of the penalty box went wide.
Luthy finished the match with four saves, while the Timbers U-23s earned a 13-11 advantage in shots. Caldwell collected three saves in the match for Sounders FC U23.
The Timbers U-23s take to the road for four consecutive matches, starting with back-to-back games next weekend. Portland travels to face Vancouver Whitecaps FC U-23s on Friday, June 6, at UBC Thunderbird Stadium in Vancouver; kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. (Pacific). The next day, the Timbers U-23s visit Victoria Highlanders FC for a match on Sunday, June 7, at Royal Athletic Park in Victoria, B.C.; kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. (Pacific).
Notes: The Timbers U-23s lost to Sounders FC U23 on Sunday for just the second time at home in all competitions since 2009 … Midfielders Fatai Alashe and Miguel Aguilar both took a team-high four shots in the match.
