T2

USL Match Preview | T2 to host Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC at Merlo Field

Michael Gallagher, T2 at Switchbacks FC - 5.13.16

PORTLAND, Ore. â€“ After returning from a two-match road swing, T2 will play host to Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC at Merlo Field on Thursday, July 7; kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. (Pacific).

The match on Thursday marks the second of three regular-season meetings between T2 and Switchbacks FC in 2016, as they will meet again Aug. 3 at Merlo Field. In their first matchup this season, T2 sustained a 1-0 loss on the road at Switchbacks Stadium on May 13.

T2 (5-9-2, 17pts) enter Thursday’s match looking to bounce back from a 1-0 loss to Saint Louis FC on June 25 at World Wide Technology Park. T2 goalkeeper Justin Luthy made his season debut and finished the game with four saves. Additionally, defender Rennico Clarke made his first appearance of the 2016 USL season and captained the club after sustaining a knee injury last season. During the 2016 USL campaign, nine different players have scored for T2, including Victor Arboleda, Nick Besler, Villyan Bijev, Blake Bodily, Neco Brett, Kharlton Belmar, Dylan Damraoui, Andre Lewis and Ben Polk. Through 16 games, Brett leads the team in goals (4), while Belmar ranks first in assists (3).

Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC (8-4-2, 26pts) head into Thursday’s match following a 1-0 win against Real Monarchs SLC on June 29 at Switchbacks Stadium. The shutout marked their seventh clean-sheet victory of the season and improved their record at home to 5-1-1. Forward Martin Maybin, who last scored in a 2-0 win over Saint Louis FC on June 4, ranks first on the team with five goals, while forward Mike Seth leads the team with three assists.

Single-game tickets for T2 matches are available at the Providence Park box office, online at www.timbers2.com, and on game day at the venue box office. Additionally, Thursday’s match will be available via a live, high-definition web stream at www.timbers2.com.

Following Thursday’s match, T2 will play host to LA Galaxy II at Merlo Field on Saturday, July 16; kickoff is set for 2 p.m. (Pacific).