Author: Phuoc Nguyen

Name Pronunciation: Fook Win

Family, Friends, and Sports!

Storyteller at Rose City Review
Portland Timbers of MLS
Portland Thorns of the NWSL
Professional Tennis - ATP & WTA

Twitter @Phuocerman

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Soccer Timbers

Takeaways: Portland Timbers 1, Tigres UANL 2

Photographer: Kris Lattimore

After securing three points in their Leagues Cup opening game against the San Jose Earthquakes, Portland was in position to clinch a spot in the knockout stage with at least a draw. The Timbers could also advance in a three-way tie through goal differential. 

Tigres is one of the most storied clubs in North America—and in the world. The opportunity to play a team of this historic stature is huge. 

Playing at a disadvantage for over a half would be too much to overcome, as the Timbers dropped the last game of the Leagues Cup group stage 1-2. 

Photographer: Kris Lattimore

In the 24th minute, Evander took on his best Leo Messi impersonation and hit the perfect free kick into to the upper 90 to put the home side up 1-0. 

Photographer: Kris Lattimore

The good times would not keep on rollin’, unfortunately. 

In the 42nd minute, former France international, André-Pierre Gignac scored the equalizer for Tigres.

To make matters even worse for Portland, Evander got sent off with his second yellow in the 44th minute. 

Even down a player in the second half, the Portland Timbers refused to bunker. Both teams exchanged chances, tackles, and shots. 

In the 81st minute, Jesús Angulo beat Juan David Mosquera far post and gave the visitors the 1-2 lead. 

In order to try to get a result out of the game, head coach Gio Savarese made a triple sub in the 88th minute: Franck Boli for Dairon Asprilla, Sebastián Blanco for Claudio Bravo, and Miguel Araujo for Mosquera. The Timbers would play the rest of the game with a three-back of Miguel Araujo, Dario Župarić, and Zac McGraw.

Still, the Timbers did enough to move on in the Leagues Cup. (There is no scenario that existed where they didn’t move on.) 

Evander

The biggest transfer in Timbers history has taken the reigns of this team and won’t let go.

He is putting his stamp on games and has shown his best stretch of play. 

In the 24th minute, Evander delivered once again for Portland. 

The Timbers will continue to win games if this stud continues to take over matches. 

Unfortunately, Evander picked up his first yellow in the 39th minute. Then, the head official decided to get involved in the 44th minute and give Evander his second yellow.

Replays showed that this was not warranted, and it was a real shame, as the game was starting to go end-to-end with a ton of action. 

As a player on a yellow card, you’ve got to be extremely careful and not put yourself in that position. 

It was a frustrating way for Evander to end his time in the game, especially with such a big start. 

Felipe Mora

Mora has worked his tail off to come back and has recently returned to play. However, this start was a huge milestone for him. 

His professionalism through it all shows his character. There aren’t many players who have committed to the city and team the way he has. These moments and opportunities are more than deserved for the Timbers’ No. 9. 

Officiating 

Instead of playing this entire game at full strength, Evander’s second yellow card put us down to 10 players for the second half. 

The official decided to intervene and have the main say over the game.

The atmosphere was amazing throughout, and the fans would have loved to see these teams go at it with everything they’ve got. 

Make no mistake, the official allowed both teams to play. But Tigres is a phenomenal side and did not need the extra assistance.

“I just think the referee ruined the game,” said Savarese. “The referee ruined the game on a red card that was not conscientious of what is happening in the game. For me, there was no need. We were facing a very good team that didn’t need any extra help.”

It’ll a long time before we ever see these two sides go at it again, if ever. It’s a shame that a game was decided in that fashion.

Photographer: Kris Lattimore
Quote of the Night

Categories
Soccer Timbers

Gallery: Portland Timbers 2, San Jose Earthquakes 0

Photo by Kris Lattimore
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Soccer Timbers

Diego Valeri Day: Portland Timbers 3, Columbus Crew 2

Photo via Portland Timbers FC

The Portland Timbers honored Diego Valeri by inducting him into the club’s ring of honor before their Saturday night match against the Columbus Crew—and by earning a 3-2 win on the field.

Coming into the game winless in their last five matchups, Portland was hoping to honor ‘The Maestro’ with three points to snap the winless streak.

Celebrating his birthday, head coach Gio Savarese wanted the win as a present.

The day was made right for both, as the Timbers secured the nail-biting 3-2 win over the Crew.

Neither team could create much early in the first half, as the game lacked any sort of rhythm or control. However, that changed after the first 25 minutes.

In the 28th minute, Claudio Bravo somehow found a way a collect the rebound to find Dario Župarić. The center back played it to Dairon Asprilla, who finished past Columbus goalkeeper Patrick Schulte to put the home side up 1-0.

Two minutes later, Franck Boli played a perfect through ball into Asprilla, who beat two defenders and Schulte double the Timbers’ lead. Evander’s pass to the frontline had sprung the counterattack.

This made the match the first time Portland had scored more than one goal in a game since their 3-1 win over the Vancouver Whitecaps in May.

Still, in first half stoppage time, Columbus responded with a Lucas Zelarayán goal to cut the lead in half.

In the 49th minute, Zac McGraw headed a potential Christian Ramírez equalizer off the line.

In the 62nd minute, the Portland Timbers put out their best substitutions of the year with Sebastián Blanco, Yimmi Chará, and Felipe Mora coming on.

The party was spoiled in the 65th minute, when Zelarayán would tally a second goal for a brace. His golazo was hit perfectly from outside of the box to beat Timbers goalkeeper David Bingham.

In the 69th minute, the Crew nearly went ahead when Jacen Russell-Rowe got passed the backline. Bingham came up with the biggest save of the night to keep it level.

In the 73rd minute, Mora won the header off a set piece and to redirected it to Y. Chará, who hit off the post.

The Timbers were not going to let the party end on a sour note. In the 80th minute, Y. Chará played a ball across goal that found Blanco, who smashed it home for the 3-2 lead.

This was Seba’s first regular season goal since his amazing comeback from injury.

Diego Valeri Day

The Timbers legend was not only being honored for his successes on the pitch—but fro what he did off of it, too.

Valeri was a player who loved being in the community and giving back to people. Any time he was given the change to help, his mind way already made up.

He will go down as a legendary player in the team’s history—and as one of the best people to take the pitch for the club.

Valeri and his family have the utmost love for the city of Portland. They should be remembered for always being a light to everyone who came across them.

Thank you, Diego, Florencia, and Connie.

You all be missed very much. We are forever grateful.

Hat Trick watch

In Timbers history, no player has ever tallied a hat trick, but that could have changed Saturday.

After 30 minutes, Asprilla had already scored two goals—his first MLS brace.

Unfortunately, after 62 minutes, he was subbed out.

The wait continues.

Heavy heart

Our condolences are to Dairon Asprilla’s hometown friend and their family. His strength in the face of great loss is remarkable and inspiring. Please send all your positive thoughts and vibes to him.

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Soccer Thorns

Coffee with Coffey: Kickin’ It with Sam Coffey

Sam Coffey celebrates her first goal in front of the Rose City Riveters in September, 2022. Photo via Craig Mitchelldyer/ Portland Thorns FC
Sam Coffey celebrates her first goal after the game with the Rose City Riveters. Photo Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer/ Portland Thorns FC
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Soccer Timbers

Takeaways: Portland Timbers 1, FC Dallas 0

Credit: Kris Lattimore

The Portland Timbers are in a bit of a scoring drought, with only two goals in their past four games heading into their match against FC Dallas. To make matters worse, left back Claudio Bravo was out due to yellow card accumulation, and the Timbers had fallen to 12th in the Western Conference standings.

Dallas, on the other hand, came into the game in tied for third in the west.

Portland needed three points, badly.

The Timbers showed their hunger early and often, forcing Dallas to play the majority of the game on the back foot. The visitors looked nothing like their usual selves, and the Timbers picked them apart all game.

The one issue for the Portland Timbers has been their finishing—a story that held true early on in the match. They could not punish FC Dallas for their lackadaisical defending and turnovers.

In the 36th minute, that all changed. Evander hit a perfect cross onto the head of Franck Boli, who put it away to make the scoreline 1-0.

Defensively, the team remained stout and up for the challenge all evening.

The biggest controversy came in the 71st minute, when FC Dallas’ Geovane Jesus and Portland’s Diego Chará got tangled up. Referee Ted Unkel’s original call was a straight red for Jesus, but that was later overturned in favor of a yellow to both players.

Unkel’s officiating all night was inconsistent and led to frustration from both sides.

Still, the Timbers were able to pick up their first home win in nearly a month to move back into eighth place in the table.

Credit: Kris Lattimore

Moving forward

Right now, Boli is the Timbers’ best option as the No. 9. His work rate gives the team so many opportunities.

Although he has not always been the most clinical, he has deserved every start and minute he’s played this season.

After being benched at Seattle, Boli made a huge difference at home against FC Dallas—most notably scoring the lone goal of the match.

 

Credit: Kris Lattimore

It’s Miller time

After starting at right back ahead of Juan David Mosquera at Seattle, Eric Miller earned another start against Dallas, this time at left back. Miller has not seen a lot of playing opportunities, but has been solid when given the chance.

His understanding, communication, and leadership with the backline has been superb the past two matches. The role and responsibilities the coaching staff has given him has been simple and effective.

Head coach Gio Savarese was pleased with Miller’s performances. “We got really lucky that he became available” said Savarese. “I think every team needs players like him that can provide so much discipline on the field. I thought he was phenomenal today.

“Not only today,” he said, “also in Seattle. Playing on the right side in Seattle, playing now on the left side and didn’t miss a beat. His leadership, his communication, his way of not only playing but his presence on the field was very, very good. He faced different guys today. He managed all of them very well… He managed everyone the way he had to and helped the team make sure that we had a very solid defensive type of game today.”

Miller’s experience in MLS—he’s played in the league since 2014—has paid dividends for the Timbers and will serve them well for the rest of the season.

Final stats
  • xG: Portland 1.29, FC Dallas 0.3
  • Total Shots: Portland 14, Dallas 5
  • Evander led the team in shots, chances created, completed passes in the final third, and crosses attempted.

Credit: Kris Lattimore

 

Categories
Soccer Timbers

Takeaways: Portland Timbers 0, Minnesota United 1

Photo Credit: Matthew Wolfe

Riding a four game unbeaten streak into their match against Minnesota United, the Portland Timbers were looking to make it five Saturday.

However, that streak ended after a heartbreaking goal in the last seconds of stoppage time by Minnesota’s Bongokuhle Hlongwane.

Portland’s offense is hot and cold, while their backline continues to put in their best performances. If these could sync up, we could see this season’s outlook change quickly.

The players and coaching staff are rightfully disappointed in the result.

Disappointing match,” said Timbers head coach Gio Savarese. “A game that we knew exactly how it was going to be.

“We knew Minnesota was just going to be defending and organized in the block,” Savarese said, “and we knew they were going to go for the counter. We managed everything well until the 93rd minute and one little moment of hesitation between [Aljaž Ivačič], our centerbacks—maybe one played a little bit too high.”

Photo Credit: Matthew Wolfe

The 1-0 loss raises a lot of questions, particularly about the depth of the team and if coach Savarese should have rotated the squad more.

Make no mistake, the Timbers were the better side, but the sloppiness and tired legs—the match was Portland’s third in eight days—took their toll on the team.

Portland’s xG was 1.19 compared to Minnesota’s 0.98. The Timbers outshoot the Loons 19 to nine and had 10% more possession. They also had more crosses, passes, and corners.

The team did not deserve to lose this game. A draw would have been a fair result.

Soccer is brutal sometimes.

Photo Credit: Matthew Wolfe

Congested schedule

The Timbers have dealt with injuries throughout the season and are finally healthy enough to compete. However, in congested weeks with at least three games, they are at a huge disadvantage.

Yes, Portland’s starting XI can compete with anyone in MLS when they are healthy and fully rested.

But the depth might not be there; Savarese went with his best players for three straight games and got four points.

If the Timbers do not make the playoffs, we may have to look at this week as the pivotal week where the team dropped points.

Their depth will be tested even more when Dario Župarić will have to serve his suspension for yellow card accumulation. Larrys Mabiala will be the next one up.

Photo Credit: Matthew Wolfe

Seba’s return

Sebastiàn Blanco has battled injuries nonstop to get back on the pitch.

His work ethic and determination is one we should all aspire to. The fact that he continues to overcome the odds should be applauded and supported by everyone.

Recently, a nerve pain in his knee flared up, and he received an injection to address it.

He made his first appearance of the regular season in the 79th minute, and the crowd made sure Blanco knew how much they loved to see him back.

Making his return over the weekend was a pleasant surprise and will hopefully provide Portland with a boost throughout the remainder of the season.

Photo Credit: Matthew Wolfe

Inconsistency

Portland have played some of their best football as of late, but have been lacking the extra consistency needed to be a playoff contender.

“It has been difficult,” said Diego Chará. “Now we’re getting back some healthy players, and obviously, we are trying to create opportunities in the front attack. Right now we really need to be better in the first 15 minutes and try to score, because it’s really important that our attackers try to find a way to score goals.

“In tonight’s game, we tried to play balls to the middle, tried to find a clear opportunity for Franck [Boli], for [Dairon] Asprilla, and we couldn’t do it,” he said. “I think in this next game, we need to be better in that—to prepare well and try to play a better performance from every player.”

Photo Credit: Matthew Wolfe

Categories
Soccer Timbers

Takeaways: Portland Timbers 3, Vancouver Whitecaps 1

Photo Credit: Kris Lattimore

After losing to the Whitecaps 0-1 in Vancouver in April, the Portland Timbers had revenge on their mind when they hosted one of their Cascadia rivals Saturday.

In the previous matchup, the Timbers were outmatched, overwhelmed, and shorthanded. But this time, Portland got their sweet revenge, with a 3-1 win in their most complete performance of the year.

Timbers head coach Gio Savarese was very pleased with his team’s performance.

“Very important win for many, many reasons,” said Savarese. “Three points. Cascadia Cup. Home game. Then we performed very well.”

Still, he said, “I think we can still progress, we can still get better. There’s areas that we have to continue to work, but I think the first 20 minutes and the entire second half, I thought we were very, very good.”

In the second minute, Franck Boli broke out of his scoring drought to put Portland on the board first.

The Timbers continued to create chances after the opening goal, with combination play between Juan David Mosquera, Santi Moreno, and Evander putting another one away in the 18th minute.

This was some of their finest work all year.

This team has been clicking offensively for weeks, and it showed off big time. Portland outshot and had more shots on target than Vancouver, putting up 13 and seven to the Whitecaps’ seven and four, respectively.

Unfortunately in the 24th minute, Zac McGraw went for a clearance that turned into an own goal.

In the 54th minute, Evander put on a insane move to freeze his defender and then ripped a shot for Portland’s third goal for the final score.

This was his best game as a Timber, and he has let the entire MLS know, too.

The Evander Show

Photo Credit: Kris Lattimore

After early struggles with form and injury, Evander has played his best ball the past few weeks. He is playing with tons of confidence, his decision making is so much quicker, and his passing has been very crisp. This is the exact player general manager Ned Grabavoy and  Savarese wanted to sign.

Evander is one of the most in form players in MLS right now, and the Timbers are steadily climbing the table thanks to his contributions.

The Portland Timbers are playing their best football of the season, which happens to coincide with his best run of play.

Is that a coincidence? Absolutely not.

“I was going for the hat trick,” said Evander. “Of course, not doing crazy things, but I wanted one more opportunity for a goal. I knew that nobody [on the Timbers] has scored a hat trick in an MLS competition, and I wanted to be the first, but I’ll have to wait till the next opportunity.

Still, he was pleased with his team’s performance. “I think this shows us how good we are” he said, “how good we are when we play together and as a team… When we play together, when we are compact and play soccer and enjoy the game, things become much easier. The win today gives us more confidence for the rest of the season.”

All You Gotta Do is BOLIeve

Photo Credit: Kris Lattimore

Boli scored his first goal for Portland in his Timbers debut. Since then, he has been hungry for his second.

His work rate and comfort level has been steadily climbing in the past couple weeks.

“I am a striker. I create goals. Last game I wanted to score so bad, I missed some goals and got angry,” said Boli. “But you’ve got to try again.

“I’m very happy to score today and also that the team won,” he said. “That’s even more important than my goal. As a striker, you want to score every time and I’m happy about that.”

Boli has continued to be get more comfortable with the team and league.

“He’s getting to understand the league,” said Savarese. “He’s getting to feel more chemistry, and he’s getting fitter as well.

“You saw his movements today,” Savarese said. “Now he knows how to move around the defenders because they’re physical here in MLS. He needs to understand how to find good areas in order to make sure to be in good places to get the ball. He created some very good moments, attacking-wise.”

Fun stats
  • xG: Portland 1.15, Vancouver 0.59
  • Evander led the team in shots, shots on goal, and goals.
  • Santiago Moreno paced the team in chances created, successful dribbles, and completed passes in the final third.
  • Juan David Mosquera had the most touches, crosses attempted, completed passes on the team.
  • Dario Zuparic was stout in defense with 10 recoveries and seven aerial duels won.
  • Diego Chará made his 350th MLS appearance.

 

Categories
Soccer Timbers

U.S. Open Cup Takeaways: Timbers 3, RSL 4

Credit: Kris Lattimore

The Portland Timbers hosted Real Salt Lake in the fourth round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, with a spot in the final 16 up for grabs.

This game had end to end action, limited amounts of defending, and a bunch of fireworks.

In total, seven goals were scored, with RSL coming out on top 4-3 at Providence Park and eliminating Portland from the next round of the tournament.

Timbers head coach Gio Savarese was very honest with his post match thoughts. “We allowed them to score four goals at home,” he said, “which is not good. And the way we sometimes allow those moments to happen, we need to have a little bit more maturity.

But, he said, “It’s good for some of the players that don’t have that many minutes to be able to come and play. That makes them better, that makes them stronger, that makes them more available to be able to compete and ready to play. ”

Noel Caliskan – T2 Promotion to T1

Photo Credit: Kris Lattimore

Noel Caliskan was selected 15th overall in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft out of Loyola Marymount University.

He signed his first professional contract with Timbers 2 ahead of the 2023 season. In four appearances with T2, he has scored three goals.

After a strong performance in Portland’s 3-1 win over Orange County in the third round of the U.S. Open Cup, the Timbers rewarded Caliskan with a promotion to the senior team.

On April 28, the club announced that he signed a contract for the 2023 season with options in 2024 and 2025.

Caliskan moved from Germany to the United States to pursue his dreams of becoming a professional footballer.

“It’s obviously an honor,” Caliskan said. “I came to the US with a dream to pursue my career, be a pro and to finally make it and play with the like of [Sebastián Blanco], Eric [Miller], Diego [Chará], big names and MLS legends. It’s an honor to share the locker room with them and to share the field with every day.”

On Wednesday, he was one the bright spots in the team’s home loss. Caliskan recorded two assists and showed off his talent.

Gio Savarese gave Caliskan positive remarks for his performance.

“He was one of the mature guys on the field,” Savarese said. “He did really well. He managed things excellent and endured the match very well. With the ball he gave us what we needed.

“We saw how he pressed on top to create a moment for [Blanco] to score,” he said, “and how great of a moment it is for Seba to score, too.”

With the team shorthanded in midfield, Caliskan has a chance to make a difference for the Portland Timbers this season.

Sebastian Blanco scores his first goal since injury comeback

Photo Credit: Kris Lattimore

Seba made his second start since his return from injury and gave the Timbers the early lead with his goal.

Just having him back is a boost to the team. He continues to get better with each appearance. A healthy Blanco will be crucial to Portland’s playoff chances.

Defense?

Photo Credit: Kris Lattimore

“Losing this game at home, allowing four goals after we scored three is no good,” said Savarese. “We talked about it in the locker room and the guys take the responsibility and now we continue to work.” 

The backline of Pablo Bonilla, Larrys Mabiala, Tyler Clegg, and Justin Rasmussen had many positives from the game, but there were many moments they would like back.

Scoring three goals and not winning at home is a tough pill to swallow.

The Timbers can put together a good starting backline in Juan David Mosquera, Dario Zuparic, Zac McGraw, and Claudio Bravo. Beyond that, as Wednesday showed, it is a concern if any of them are unavailable for any reason.

The defense, especially the backline, will decide how this season goes.

Key Stats
  • Portland had the advantage over RSL for xG: 2.02 to 1.62
  • Marvin Loría led the team with 5 chances created, crosses attempted, and completed passes in final third.
  • Victor Griffith paced the Timbers with three shots
  • Noel Caliskan led Portland in assists and completed passes in the final third.
  • Tyler Clegg won the most tackles for the team
  • Larrys Mabiala had the most completed passes and recoveries
  • The Timbers statically dominated almost every category offensively against Real Salt Lake
Categories
Soccer Thorns

Kickin’ It with Reyna Reyes

Reyna Reyes made her regular season debut for the Portland Thorns against the Houston Dash. Credit: Matthew Wolfe
Reyna Reyes made her regular season debut for the Portland Thorns against the Houston Dash. Credit: Matthew Wolfe
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Soccer Timbers

U.S. Open Cup Takeaways: Portland Timbers 3, Orange County SC 1

April 26 2023; Portland, OR, USA; Timbers vs Orange County SC in the US Open Cup at Providence Park. Photo: Craig Mitchelldyer-Portland Timbers
April 26 2023; Portland, OR, USA; Timbers vs Orange County SC in the US Open Cup at Providence Park. Photo: Craig Mitchelldyer-Portland Timbers

After a tough loss to on Saturday at FC Cincinnati, the Portland Timbers returned home to face USL team Orange County SC in the third round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

Both teams were coming off 1-2 losses in regular season play and looking for a huge bounce-back game to advance to the fourth round of the tournament. 

The Timbers received huge news and a boost for the encounter. Returning from injury for the was Sebastián Blanco, who would be available to play his first minutes for the club in 2023. 

Three players from Portland’s second team received opportunities to play this game. Tyler Clegg started at center back next to veteran Larrys Mabiala, Noel Caliskan—who today signed a one-year contract with the senior Timbers team—started in midfield, and Víctor Griffith came off the bench.

The first ten minutes saw the visitors outshoot Portland three to zero, but outside of a few shaky moments, Portland was in relative control of the match.

Portland would end up winning the game 3-1, thanks to goals from Marvin Loría in the 37th minute, Clegg in the 48th minute, and Jarosław Niezgoda in the 92nd minute.

Here’s some takeaways from the match.

April 26 2023; Portland, OR, USA; Timbers vs Orange County SC in the US Open Cup at Providence Park. Photo: Craig Mitchelldyer-Portland Timbers
April 26 2023; Portland, OR, USA; Timbers vs Orange County SC in the US Open Cup at Providence Park. Photo: Craig Mitchelldyer – Portland Timbers

The return of Seba!

Blanco is one of the best players in Timbers history. His contributions include 40 goals and 50 assists in his MLS career. He is vital for this team’s success, and his return provided a huge boost.

The star has battled through injury and adversity most of 2022 and at the start of 2023. His pain in the right knee was so excruciating, that it caused him trouble to even walk at certain times. Blanco even had doubts if his comeback was even possible, but giving up was never an option, he said.

“You know me,” he said, “and I never give up. No matter what the people or someone can say to me. If I have the possibility, I will give everything back. I tried to help my team in the minutes that I can do it and what the coach wants also, but I think I have more time for play.”

He played 34 minutes on Wednesday, but just seeing him on the pitch again should bring a smile to every single person.

Blanco, himself, said he was “very happy” to be back. “It was really hard work mentally and physically to get back,” he said. “It wasn’t easy for me, but I was so happy to pass another obstacle and try to help my team in the way that I can do it.”

Congrats on being back on the pitch again, Seba!

T2 stepping up

As discussed earlier, the Timbers made three call-ups prior to the game: Clegg, Caliskan, and Griffith.

Caliskan, 22, was selected in the first round, 15th overall, by the Timbers in the 2023 MLS Superdraft out of Loyola Marymount University.

Clegg, 22, was drafted by Portland in the third round, 85th overall,  of the 2023 MLS Superdraft out of James Madison University.

Griffith, 22, joined the club ahead of the 2022 T2 season. The Panamanian international made his first-team debut as a starter in the 2022 U.S. Open Cup match against LAFC on May 10.

Caliskan and Clegg started against Orange County, while Griffith came off the bench. Center back Clegg headed home a corner kick off a gorgeous cross from Pablo Bonilla in the 48th minute. 

All three T2-ers played major roles, and head coach Gio Savarese was full of praise.

“They played great,” he said. “They were very competitive. Caliskan [played] the entire 90 minutes, plus [and] did very well. Not only with managing a lot of the middle but also with the ball. Then Griffith came in for Paredes… Griffith did a great job. His second game in the U.S. Open Cup for us, and this is good from a club. When you’re able to play these players and they deliver… [Clegg] looked good in the back. He scored his goal.

“These are the exciting moments for us as a club,” Savarese said, “to see players step up and then deliver.”

April 26 2023; Portland, OR, USA; Timbers vs Orange County SC in the US Open Cup at Providence Park. Photo: Craig Mitchelldyer- Portland Timbers
April 26 2023; Portland, OR, USA; Timbers vs Orange County SC in the US Open Cup at Providence Park. Photo: Craig Mitchelldyer – Portland Timbers

Savarese said he could see some of the T2 players making appearances for the senior team later this season. He also credited Shannon Murray, the head coach of T2 for all the work he has done.

Stat zone
  • Portland outshot Orange County 18 to 13.
  • PTFC xG: 1.54, OCSC xG: 0.86
  • Bonilla led the team in crosses attempted, successful dribbles, and chances created.
  • Rasmussen and Caliskan led the team in tackles won.
  • Loría had four shots to lead the team.
  • Mabiala was the team’s leader in touches, passes completed, and possession won.

April 26 2023; Portland, OR, USA; Timbers vs Orange County SC in the US Open Cup at Providence Park. Photo: Craig Mitchelldyer-Portland Timbers
April 26 2023; Portland, OR, USA; Timbers vs Orange County SC in the US Open Cup at Providence Park. Photo: Craig Mitchelldyer-Portland Timbers