TUCSON, Ariz. – The Portland Timbers battled to a 0-0 draw with Seattle Sounders FC Wednesday night in the team's first preseason action of 2022 as part of the Desert Showcase hosted by FC Tucson at Kino North Stadium in Tucson.
Portland used 21 different players in the match which featured six Timbers Academy players, two Homegrown players and four different MLS SuperDraft selections. First team goalkeepers Aljaz Ivacic and David Bingham combined for the shutout.
The evening's defensive tone was highlighted by a strong play from Academy defender Mitchell Ferguson who dispossessed Sounders forward Raúl RuidÃaz to deny a first half scoring opportunity. Portland centerback Zac McGraw also had two key first half clearances to maintain the shutout while the backline as a whole worked to keep the clean sheet with some key play in front of goal in the 71st minute.
2021 MLS SuperDraft selection Diego Gutierrez had a good scoring chance in the second half as he raced down the right channel but sent his attempt over the bar.
Portland will continue preseason training in Arizona before facing Sporting Kansas City on Feb. 3 at Phoenix Rising FC Soccer Complex in Chandler, Ariz. Kickoff is 10am PT.
Portland Timbers (0-0-1, 1pts) vs. Seattle Sounders FC (0-0-1, 1pts)
January 26, 2022 – Kino North Stadium (Tucson, Ariz.)
Scoring Summary:
None
Misconduct Summary:
None
Portland Lineup:
POR: Asprilla (Gutierrez %, 45), Bahachille #, Ferguson ^ (McDowd ^, 86), Ivacic (Bingham, 45), LorÃa (Bodily, 45), McCartney % (Dunne ^, 86), McGraw (Haugli %, 60), S. Moreno (Ikoba, 33), Niezgoda (Duran ^, 45), Toia # (Rasmussen %, 69), Wray ^ (A. Moreno ^, 74)
% draftee
^ academy player
# non-roster invitee
