MLS Next Pro Match Recap & Highlights: Timbers 2 2 - 0 LAFC 2

T2 pick up a Sunday evening victory ahead of the Timbers' midweek US Open Cup match.

Portland’s MLS Next Pro affiliate, Portland Timbers 2, (1-0-3) picked up their first win of the season against LAFC 2 (0-2-2) on Sunday evening, a 2-0 victory thanks to goals on either side of the halftime break.

Photo credit: Portland Timbers/Portland Timbers 2

Recap

With a US Open Cup match on the horizon for the first team, 2023 MLS SuperDraft pick Noel Caliskan (who had previously started all three of T2’s matches this season) began the game from the bench, as did full back Blake Pope. It’s probably safe to assume both will play a role in the match against Orange County on Wednesday, April 23.

Image credit: Portland Timbers/Portland Timbers 2

A Selmir Miscic free kick in the 32nd minute saw T2 go into the halftime break up 1-0, and halftime sub Noel Caliskan doubled the lead in the 66th minute with a cheeky finish from a couple yards out.

Highlights

28’ T2 captain Victor Griffith received the ball in space after a well-worked buildup from the team, and forced a fingertip save from quite some distance.

32’ GOAL Timbers 2, 1-0 The Timbers were awarded a freekick from about 25 yards out after an LAFC 2 handball, and Selmir Miscic stepped up to curl a magnificent strike inside the near post to open the scoring. Take a look at Miscic’s strike here.

45’ Two minutes of stoppage time were added on to the end of the first half.

Halftime: Miscic’s goal was the difference between the sides as the first half ended 1-0 in favor of T2.

46’ SUBSTITUTION Noel Caliskan entered the match for Ian Shaul to start the second half.

54’ A goal-line clearance from Keesean Ferdinand was followed up by a safe pair of hands from Ryan Bilichuk after a dangerous few moments in the box from LAFC 2.

61’ SUBSTITUTIONS Blake Pope and Alex Moreno entered the match, replacing Tristan Weber and Michael Vang.

66’ GOAL Timbers 2, 2-0 Noel Caliskan scored his team-leading third goal of the season for T2, squeezing home a shot from close range following some strong hold-up play at the near post. Check out Caliskan’s goal here.

86’ SUBSTITUTION Sean McDowd replaced Josh Penn for T2.

Final Thoughts

The first half was fairly straightforward for T2 despite being heavily out-possessed/shot by LAFC 2. The hosts did well to soak up pressure from the visitors and looked dangerous when they counter-attacked themselves. Ian Shaul, Jaden Jones-Riley, and Miscic all looked very promising during the opening 45 minutes.

The second half followed a very similar trajectory for T2, who continued to soak up pressure from the visitors, before doubling their lead through Caliskan in the 66th minute. On top of the goal, I thought it was another good showing from Caliskan in the second half. At times he played as a second striker, but had no issues tracking back to put in defensive work for T2.

Julian Bravo had a shaky game at the back for T2 all night after receiving a card for persistent infringement early in the first half, misplacing quite a few passes out of defense.