PORTLAND, Ore. – Playing their final game of a two-match homestand, T2 were unable to overcome a two-goal halftime deficit, falling 2-1 to Seattle Sounders FC 2 at Providence Park on Tuesday night. Forward Blake Bodily tallied his first-career goal for Portland in his second start of the season.
With Bodily’s finish, nine different players have scored for T2 (5-7-2, 17pts) in 2016, with Victor Arboleda, Nick Besler, Villyan Bijev, Neco Brett, Kharlton Belmar, Dylan Damraoui, Andre Lewis and Ben Polk each recording goals through 14 games.
Sounders FC 2 (3-7-4, 13pts) benefited from forward Myron Samuel’s far-post finish in the 35th minute and midfielder John Magnus’ close-range conversion in the 43rd minute to build a 2-0 lead early in the first half.
Outshooting Seattle 8-1 in the second half, T2 threatened in the 56th minute when forward Victor Arboleda skillfully eluded an oncoming defender in the box before having his shot blocked at the near post. Two minutes, later forward Villyan Bijev’s low, curling shot bent just wide of the far post in the 58th minute.
Continuing to threaten in front of goal, T2 cut into Seattle’s lead when Bodily redirected his header past the outstretched arms of goalkeeper Charlie Lyon in the 67th minute. Looking to get in behind the Sounders FC 2 defense, defender Michael Gallagher released Bodily from the midfield line before the Timbers academy product lofted his effort just below the crossbar.
Later this week, T2 travel to face Cascadia-rival Whitecaps FC 2 at Thunderbird Stadium on Sunday, June 19; kickoff is set for 2 p.m. (Pacific).
Sunday’s match will also be available via a live, high-definition web stream at www.timbers2.com.
Postgame Quote Sheet
T2 head coach Andrew Gregor
On the result…
“It was a disappointing result. I thought we didn’t start very well. The first half was below average, but in the second half we got things going a little bit. We had a bit more energy and excitement for the game and we could’ve pulled that one out, but you have to start games properly.”
On outshooting Seattle 8-1 in the second half…
“It’s one of those things where we talk about the way we want to play. You have to have fight and drive and effort, especially in these rivalry games. The second half was better. The players brought it. We tinkered with a couple things, which helped the guys out with their movement. They seemed a little too excited at times to run and play. We had a great work rate in digging things out a little bit. It was better.”
T2 midfielder Blake Bodily
On scoring his first professional goal…
“All I saw was Gally [Michael Gallagher] get the ball, we made eye contact and just made a run through. He played a perfect ball to my head and I was able to get a head on it and loft it over the keeper. I didn’t even know what to do after I scored and with all of the fans cheering, I got goosebumps. It was awesome.”
On creating chances in the final 45 minutes…
“The first half was not our best at all. We came out flat and conceded two goals. In the second half, we came together as a team and realized we had 45 minutes to do this so lets see what we can do. We all came out strong and it was a strong second half for us, but unfortunately we couldn’t get that second goal.”
T2 defender Marco Farfan
On limiting Seattle to one shot in the second half…
“In the first half, it was a little shaky in the back. Second half, we came out motivated and wanted to win. We fought hard to try and get three points but we couldn’t get it done.”
On looking to help up in the attack…
“It was just great to see my teammate score. I grew up with him playing in the Timbers academy. It was just great to see him score his first USL. It was a good experience for him and I’m proud of him.”
T2 (5-7-2, 13pts) vs. Seattle Sounders FC 2 (3-7-4, 17pts)
June 14, 2016 – Providence (Portland, Ore.)
Goals by Half 1 2 F
T2 0 1 1
Seattle Sounders FC 2 2 0 2
Scoring Summary
SEA: Samuel (Magnus), 35
SEA: Magnus (Unassisted), 43
POR: Bodily (Gallagher), 67
Misconduct Summary
SEA: Delem (Caution), 54
SEA: Kapawa (Caution), 88
SEA: Mansaray (Caution), 90
Lineups & Stats
POR: GK McIntosh, D Lowe, D Morley, D Gallagher, D Farfan, M Casiple, M Lewis, M Bijev, F Arboleda (Richards 61), F Polk, F Bodily
Substitutes Not Used: GK Luthy, D Clarke, M Duarte, M Palacios, M Besler, D Thoma
TOTAL SHOTS: 9; SHOTS ON GOAL: 2; FOULS: 9; CORNER KICKS: 9; SAVES: 0
SEA: GK Lyon, D Fisher, D John, D Nelson, D Tolo (Kapawa, 53), M Ramos, M Delem, M Magnus, F Samuel, F Patino (O’Ojong, 63), F Mansaray
Substitutes Not Used: GK Beisano, M Schweitzer
TOTAL SHOTS: 4; SHOTS ON GOAL: 2; FOULS: 8; CORNER KICKS: 1; SAVES: 1
Referee: Ekaterina Koroleva
Assistant Referees: Andrew Marihart, Corbyn May
4th Official: Josh Wilkens
Attendance: 2,536
Weather: Overcast, 58 degress
All statistics contained in this box score are unofficial
