SALEM,Ore. --  A 90 degree sunny day seemed to be no bother for the squad as they looked to takedown Lane United FC for the second time of the season with a dominating 4-1 W.

The teams record improves to 5-0-1 while still holding the USL League Two Northwest Division first place standing. 

The game kicked off with the Timbers in complete control. A free kick and two corners happened within the first 16' of the game giving the Timbers a chance to score, but Lane United FC's goalkeeper was able to get a hold of all three attempts. However, in the 23', the dynamic duo of Ivan Mykhailenko and Marco Afonso connected off a corner to go up 1-0. Afonso played a perfect ball to Myhailenko who was able to head it in recording his third goal of the season and Afonso's fourth assist.

In Timbers U23 fashion, the team was able to keep energy up and produce a goal 16' later in the 39'. Afonso traded his assist for a goal and put the team up 2-0. This was Afonso's first goal of the season.

Up 2-0 at the half, the Timbers made some substitutions to switch up the game and get some fresh legs on the pitch. In the 68', goalkeeper Trevor Wilson made his season debut, looking to keep the shutout alive.

The Timbers U23 continued to hold possession through the match, making more passes and taking their time before making decisions. In the 69', after a minute of passing the ball outside the 18 in Lane's half, Luke Bone decided to take a shot and ended up catching the goalkeeper of balance to send one skipping to the back right of the net. The squad went up 3-0 into the 90'.

A minimum of 5' stoppage time was given at the end of the match and Lane United FC was eager to use that time to their advantage. In the 93', Lane was able to connect off a beautiful pass in the box to score for the first time ever against the squad. With a 3-1 stoppage time score, the Timbers decided to not let up, but keep playing their game by passing and creating opportunities. The patience worked as Tim Beilic worked his defender outside the 18 and sent the ball into the box. The ball was deflected yet fell right onto the foot of Marco Afonso who sent it blazing through the back of the net, recording his second of the match, putting the team up 4-1.

After the goal, the referee blew his whistle and called the match at a 4-1 Timbers U23 W.

The team chemistry on the pitch appears to be growing each game. In a post game interview, Afonso said that although the team is from all over the country, they have been able to find ways to connect both on and off the field. He said they are learning how to play with one another and just have "good vibes" across the board. 

The teams next home match is this Friday, June 25th against OVF at 7PM at John Chambers Field. Click here for tickets.

The squad also hosts a High School camp kicking off this Tuesday/Thursday and looks to host two youth camps starting next week. To learn more about our upcoming camps, click here.

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