SALEM, Ore. -- Timbers U23 suffer their first loss of the 2021 season in a 1-2 battle against OVF Alliance. 

Another 90 degree evening brought high tension to the John Chambers Complex as your Timbers U23 squad and OVF Alliance faced off for the third time of the season.

In the previous match-ups, the Timbers controlled the game walking away first with a 3-0 W followed by a 1-0 W. This game however, OVF came out with a new lineup, eager to change the narrative.

Possession was even to start off the match, but a 28' unfortunate own goal off sent OVF up 0-1.

Going down 0-1, the squad continued to apply pressure with shots on goal. In the 44', a chance came from Ivan Mykhailenko but went just wide of the goal. The remaining stoppage time of the half brought two huge opportunities for the squad but OVF Alliance's goalkeeper seemed unstoppable. The team went into halftime down 0-1.

Both teams came out aggressive and eager to start the second half. Feeding off the referee's calls and crowds energy brought quick fouls and early yellow cards. A 68' foul in the box gave Mykhailenko a chance for a PK but OVF Alliance's goalkeeper came up with the save.

However, the diving left side PK save pushed the ball out of bounce, allowing a corner kick for the Timbers U23. This was just the set piece they needed to give David Brog the equalizer in the 71'.

A 1-1 score heightened the emotions of all players, coaches, referees, and fans. The Timbers U23 held possession the final minutes of the match, gaining a 81' chance that was stopped by OVF. After 90' of play, the ref indicated 6' of stoppage time. 

The squad gained a corner in the first minute of stoppage time, sending a ball just left of the goal to keep it 1-1. However, OVF Alliance came fighting back on their counterattack to find the back of the net. Tasouris and the backline were taken back by the goal, accusing OVF of being offsides. The ref's flag never signaled and the final whistle blew, giving OVF Alliance their second win of the season at 2-1.

The Timbers U23 outshot OVF 15-4 while OVF Alliance goalkeeper, Gabriel Roman recored 6 saves.

The team will take tomorrow off and be back in action Sunday at 10AM against PDX FC. The game will take place in Gresham at the Eastside Timbers Complex. Game time has been moved due to the expected heat index.

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