Riding two consecutive come-from-behind results, St Louis CITY2 (1-1-1, 4 points) returns home for a showdown with Portland Timbers2 (0-1-2, 3 points) on Sunday, April 7. The match kicks off at 6:00 p.m. CT and will be streamed on MLS Season Pass on the Apple TV app.
The match marks the fifth all-time meeting between Timbers2 and CITY2, with St. Louis currently a perfect 4-0-0 in the all-time series. When the two teams met for the first time in 2023, CITY2 prevailed 2-1 to pick up its first away victory of the season. They then held Portland to one goal once again in the return fixture at CITYPARK later that year, winning 4-1. Midfielder John Klein led the way for CITY2 with three goals across those two matchups.
When CITY2 faced off against cross-state rival Sporting Kansas City II last weekend, the team once against displayed its ability to earn points from a losing position. SKC II took a one-goal lead in the 51st minute, but Klein struck true off a feed from midfielder Seth Antwi three minutes later to level the score. It was Antwi’s first goal contribution of his professional career. CITY2 sealed the comeback victory in the 65th minute, working into the box and forcing a Kansas City own goal.
With his goal, Klein continued an excellent run of form dating back to last season. He now has nine goals over his last 12 regular season matches, including a team-high two goals this season. Klein’s seven shots on target are tied for the most shots on target in MLS NEXT Pro.
CITY2’s new additions have played a key role in generating offensive opportunities early into the season. Forward Brendan McSorley (7) and midfielder Cam Cilley (7) are both tied for third in MLS NEXT Pro in shot setups, with CITY2 the only team in the league to have two players in the top ten. Moreover, Antwi and defender Jayden Reid (2) have recorded all three of CITY2’s assists this season.
Still searching for their first win of the season, Portland Timbers2 enters this weekend’s matchup following a 2-2 road draw against Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2. It was the second away tie for Portland this year after they drew Real Monarchs 0-0 in their season opener. Three different players are responsible for Timbers2’s three goals thus far.
