ALBANY,Ore. -- The Timbers U23 takedown OVF Alliance for the second time this season, staying undefeated and on top of the USL League Two Northwest Division.

"These boys are doing a great job, extremely coachable," stated head coach, Matt Broadhead, after the squads 1-0 W.

The game took place Sunday, June 14th, at South Albany High School during a torrential downpour which created unique, yet difficult, opportunities for each team. The Timbers U23 dominated the first half possession, but the rain made it a battle for any player to keep control and finish. Both teams went into half time soaked and scoreless.

Second half adjustments were made for the squad as Broadhead focused on the surface to which they were playing on - fast, slippery, and narrow. The last 45 minutes was geared towards getting the ball out wide, earning corner kicks, and maximizing the amount of balls sent into the goal box. 

The game plan worked as the Timbers U23 secured the first and only goal of the game off a wide left cross into the box off the foot of Jack Moothart who was able to connect with Ivan Mykhailenko for a beautiful header. The goal came around the 75' mark.

OVF Alliance continued to push back and apply pressure through the remainder of the match, winning corner kicks and putting the Timbers defense to test. A late 89' shot by OVF sent Goalkeeper, George Tasouris, soaring to the top right corner of the goal to record an incredible save while keeping his clean sheet. 2' of stoppage time was not enough for OVF to come up with an equalizer. The Timbers U23 secured the 1-0 W.

Spirits were high after the hard fought battle as the squad congratulated Ivan Mykhailenko on not only his first game with the team, but his first goal. Mykhailenko had been waiting on his transfer to come through and has not been able to participate in the squads previous three matches.

"Honestly, I just missed soccer," was Mykhailenko response to recording his game-winning goal. "Feels good to back on the field, it feels great to play again. And of course it's amazing to score a goal...I didn't have a game plan, I was just really looking forward to the opportunity to play."

The Timbers U23 squad is back at HOME this weekend, taking on PDX FC and Lane United. Tickets for the match are on sale now - get yours here.

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