The 2021 Timbers U23 squad made organization history by claiming the USL League Two Western Conference Title. 

To read all about the history making match, click here. 

There was something different about this team. From their drive to their relentlessness, they were dedicated and destined to be great.

"There was a special feeling in the air that we all could sense as the year evolved, that's something that doesn't always happen and something that we will always remember..." stated Head Coach, Matt Broadhead.

With only two days of training prior to their first match, this team hit the ground running. They started off the season 6-0 and ended the regular season with a 10-1-1 record. After clinching the Division Title and Conference Titles, the squads historic run came to end after a 0-2 loss in the National Semi-Final against the Des Moines Menace who went on to win the National Championship.

We sat down with Head Coach, Matt Broadhead to learn a little more about the success of this team and what's next both on and off the field.

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Q - The Timbers U23 made history as the USL2 Western Conference Champs - what did this meant to you and the team?

The boys and I all feel a sense of fulfillment and it's been a very rewarding experience for everyone. 

Q - What are 3 things that you feel contributed to this seasons success?

1. Everyone that played here this summer is a high character human being so we quickly established a family like culture that's definitely made friendships for life. 

2. The team was properly balanced from back to front and had the different body types that fit the professional level positional player profiles. 

3. All of the guys are good soccer players that have better than average technical, tactical, physical, and psychological attributes for their age. They were very easy to work with which enhanced their performance on game days. 

Q - Season highlight?

There was a special feeling in the air that we all could sense as the year evolved, that's something that doesn't always happen and something that we will always remember which nobody can ever take away from us.

Q - What's next for this squad and the Open Cup?

Qualifying for the 22' US Open Cup would put the organization in a situation where we could eventually play against professional teams if we are to string some Wins together and advance. For the guys playing next summer this is something extra that our team will be able to offer and help give them another platform to make a name for themselves. 

To learn more about the Open Cup, click here. 

Q - What are your off season plans?

During this off season, I will work on building a team for next summer - I will be tracking a lot of College Soccer this fall to personally hand pick another group of players that will match or top what we had this year. I will also be honing my craft at the youth levels as I have a full time club job with United PDX where I will be coaching a lot of training sessions and games with the next generation U13-U19.

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More details regarding the Open Cup, post-season awards, and the future of the Timbers U23 team will be released shortly.

As an organization, we are forever grateful for our dedicated Timbers U23 fans continued support.

Until next season, keep up with all things U23 by following us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.