After seizing two points in a captivating comeback effort their last time out, St Louis CITY2 (1-4-4) heads out to the Beaver State for a contest against Portland Timbers2 (2-6-0) on Thursday. Kickoff is slated for 9:00 p.m. CT, and the match will be streamed on MLS Season Pass on the Apple TV app.
CITY2 and Timbers2 are meeting for the first time this season. Last year, CITY2 went a perfect 2-0-0 in two matches against Portland, outscoring Timbers2 8-4 in those two contests. In terms of recent form, it is CITY2 who has outperformed their soon-to-be hosts, having secured nine (9) points over their last five matches compared to Portland’s six (6).
Against Sporting Kansas City II last weekend, CITY2 battled back after finding themselves at a 2-0 deficit by the 25th minute. After missing the mark on a few chances in the first half, CITY2 kickstarted their comeback effort in the 51st minute when forward Caden Glover cleaned up a loose ball and scored his first professional goal. Defender Akil Watts deposited his second goal of the season to bring the teams even in the 63rd minute, and then goalkeeper Ben Lundt stopped a few threatening chances as the match progressed to preserve the draw. Midfielder Ezra Armstrong netted the decisive shot in a 5-4 shootout to win CITY2 an extra point.
CITY2 has shown their prowess at the penalty spot this season, as the team is one of only two in MLS NEXT Pro with three (3) shootout wins. They have made it tough for the opposition to build up many offensive pushes by clogging passing lanes, with their 116 interceptions tied for third-most in MLS NEXT Pro.
Timbers2 is coming off a 2-0 loss in an away clash against Galaxy II last weekend. Despite not scoring in that match, seven (7) different players have scored at least one goal for the team this season. In four home games this season, Timbers2 is 2-2-0.
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