SALEM, Ore. -- A 2-0 W over PDX FC keeps the Timbers U23 squad not only undefeated, but on top of the USL League Two Northwest Division.

"Team discipline and being focused on the task at hand. Ours boys' job was to focus on getting the win and not any of the riffraff happening after the plays," stated Head Coach, Matt Broadhead.

A beautiful Friday night matchup brought a lot of tension as the Timbers U23 fought to defend their league title against PDX FC. Both teams came into the match undefeated and eager to get a win.

The two squads seemed to hold equal possession to kick off the first half. It wasn't until the 20' that the Timbers started to gain momentum and move the ball into PDX's half. A 25' corner kick boosted the teams energy and brought on a 27' free kick where Marco Afonso sent a beautiful ball to the head of David Brog to record Afonso's second assist of the season and Brog's first goal of the season.

A counterattack by PDX FC was unsuccessful thanks to an incredible right post save by George Tasouris to keep this clean sheet and a 1-0 lead.

Energy for the Timbers U23 squad stayed high through the last 20' of the half, giving Ivan Mikhailenko a chance to add to his goal record. Gliding side-by-side with a defender with the goalkeeper coming out, Mikhailenko took a quick touch to punch the ball right into the back of the net.

This marks Mikhailenkos second goal (and match) of the 2021 season while giving Afonso his second assist of the match, third on the season.

A jersey swap at the half gave PDX FC a new look and play to the last 45'. The team came out more aggressive and chippy, receiving a red card in the 65' due to "excessive force." However, only one of PDX FC's goal attempts came close to the net in the 79' but Tasouris was able to punch it away.

The game ended it's 90' with intensity and tension as the Timbers U23 finished with a 2-0 W, securing their first place NW Division League standing as well as remaining undefeated. This was PDX FC's first loss of the 2021 season. Tasouris records his 4 clean sheet of the season.

Your Timbers U23 squad will be back in action Sunday, June 20th, for a matchup against Lane United FC. 

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