SALEM, Ore. – Playing their first game of a three-match homestand, the Portland Timbers U-23s fell 2-1 against Kitsap Pumas at Sparks Field on the campus of Willamette University on Friday night.
The Timbers U-23s (1-3-4, 6pts) opened the scoring in the 5th minute when forward Tim Mueller converted his one-time strike at the near post. Midfielder Jackson Jellah, who beat his defender at the end line, played a low, driven ball to Mueller, who placed his shot past the outstretched goalkeeper to build a 1-0 lead for Portland.
In the 11th minute, Pumas (2-3-2, 5pts) tallied the early equalizer when forward Hamza Hadda placed his shot just inside the back post. Early in the second half, Pumas took the lead when forward Mike Ramos reacted quickly to pounce on a ball at the back post in the 46th minute.
In the second half, Portland created several scoring opportunities in search of the game's equalizer. In the 86th minute, second-half substitute Nate Schultz got on the end of an in-swinging corner kick, but his redirected header bounced just wide of the far post.
Next up, the Timbers U-23s play host to Calgary Foothills FC on Sunday, June 19.
Portland Timbers U-23s Starting XI
GK Konstantino, D Gaines, D Barnathan, D Fox, M Fives, M Brown, M Johnson, M Sanchez, F Jellag, F Mueller, F Schultz
Substitutes: GK Partee, M Small, M Martinez, F De Vera, F Thiaw, D Prescott, M Santos
Kitsap Pumas Starting XI
GK Oberto, D Dezorzi, D Hamer, D Scott, D Eronemo, D Lange, M Sanchez, M Waterman, M Castro, F Haddadi, F Ramos
Substitutes: GK Grosey, D Cardenas, M Bangsond, M McGiveron, M Lees, F Madison, F Davidson
