Entering Week 20 action, T2 travel to face Fresno FC at Chukchansi Park on Saturday, July 20; kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. (Pacific).
Last match recap
Conceding a goal late in the first half, T2 were unable to overcome the deficit, falling 1-0 on the road to Sacramento Republic FC before 11,569 fans at Papa Murphy’s Park on July 13.
Strong start to 2019
In 19 matches to begin the 2019 season, T2 (7-5-7, 27pts) sit in fifth place in the Western Conference standings, and rank fourth in the league in goals scored (36). Portland is coming off a 1-0 loss on the road to Sacramento Republic FC on July 13. With his goal in a 1-1 draw against Tulsa Roughnecks FC on July 6, Todd Wharton logged his fourth finish of the season, which ranks tied for third on the team with Foster Langsdorf and Modou Jadama. Dairon Asprilla leads the team with six goals scored in six appearances, while Eryk Williamson ranks tied for second in the USL Championship with 7 assists in 11 starts this campaign. Goalkeeper Jake Leeker has posted 39 saves and one shutout in 12 appearances this season.
T2 against Fresno FC
Saturday’s match marks the fourth meeting in USL Championship play between T2 and Fresno FC, dating back to July 8, 2018. In the last meeting between Portland and Fresno, the two clubs played to a 2-2 draw at Providence Park on June 16, 2019. The last time the two teams played at Chukchansi Park, Portland and Fresno drew 2-2 on Sept. 22, 2018.
Goals from all over
Thirteen different players have scored for T2 in 19 matches to begin the 2019 USL Championship campaign. Dairon Asprilla leads the team with six goals in just six appearances, while Brayan Hurtado is second in the same category with five goals scored in 16 appearances. Foster Langsdorf and Modou Jadama rank tied for third on the club, while Eryk Williamson and Todd Wharton both rank tied for fifth on the club. Timbers Academy forward Gio Calixtro, Marvin Loría Ryan Sierakowski have each scored two goals, while Nathan Smith, Zach Kobayashi and Roy Miller have scored one goal during the 2019 season.
Road form
In 10 road matches to begin the 2019 season, T2 hold a record of 4-3-3 record. T2 rank tied for fifth in the league with four road wins this season, outscoring their opponents 22-18 in road matches. Additionally, Portland currently ranks first in goals scored on the road this season (22). Brayan Hurtado has scored four of his five goals in 2019 in road matches.
T2 2019 Team Leaders
Goals: Dairon Asprilla (6)
Assists: Eryk Williamson (7)
Chances Created: Todd Wharton (29)
Shutouts: Aljaz Ivacic, Jake Leeker (1)
Saves: Jake Leeker (39)
Scouting Fresno FC
Fresno FC (9-2-7, 34pts) enter Saturday’s match following a 2-1 win at home over New Mexico United on July 13, which extended a six-match unbeaten run dating back to June 8. Fresno holds a 5-1-3 record at home this season. Forwards Qudus Lawal and Jemal Johnson lead the team in goals scored (7), while Brazilian midfielder Jackson ranks first on the club in assists (5). Midfielder Juan Pablo Caffa leads the team with 34 chances created. Goalkeeper C.J. Cochran leads the team with 48 saves and six shutouts in 18 appearances in 2019.
Fresno FC head coach: Adam Smith
Fresno FC 2019 Team Leaders
Goals: Qudus Lawal, Jemal Johnson (7)
Assists: Jackson (5)
Chances Created: Juan Pablo Caffa (34)
Shutouts: C.J. Cochran (6)
Saves: C.J. Cochran (48)
