Playing their second match in four days, T2 travel to face Phoenix Rising FC at Casino Arizona Field on Saturday, June 29; kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. (Pacific).
Last match recap
After conceding twice in the second half, T2 were unable to overcome a one-goal deficit, falling 2-1 to Reno 1868 FC at Providence Park on June 26. Brayan Hurtado tallied his fourth goal of the season and Carlos Anguiano registered his third assist of the campaign as T2’s six-game unbeaten run came to an end.
Strong start to 2019
In 16 matches to begin the 2019 season, T2 (7-3-6, 27pts) sit in second place in the Western Conference standings, only five points behind first-place Phoenix Rising FC, and rank tied for second in the league in goals scored (33). Portland is coming off a 2-1 loss to Reno 1868 FC on June 26, which snapped a team-record six-match unbeaten run. After scoring in the loss against Reno, Brayan Hurtado has now recorded four goals in 13 appearances this season, tying Foster Langsdorf and Modou Jadama in that category. 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 10 starts this campaign.
T2 against Phoenix Rising FC
In nine regular season-matches all-time against Phoenix Rising FC dating back to July 2, 2015, T2 lead the series 5-3-1. In the last regular-season contest played against the two teams, T2 defeated Phoenix 1-0 on Oct. 13, 2018. Portland is 3-1-1 in five regular-season road matches against Phoenix, dating back to April 25, 2015.
Goals from all over
Twelve different players have scored for T2 in 16 matches to begin the 2019 USL Championship campaign. Dairon Asprilla leads the team with six goals in just six appearances. Brayan Hurtado, Foster Langsdorf and Modou Jadama rank tied for second on the club. 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 eight road matches to begin the 2019 season, T2 have only lost once, posting a 4-1-3 record. Additionally, T2 ranks in the top five league-wide with four road wins this season, outscoring their opponents 20-13 in road matches. Portland currently ranks first in goals scored on the road this season (20).
T2 2019 Team Leaders
Goals: Dairon Asprilla (6)
Assists: Eryk Williamson (7)
Chances Created: Eryk Williamson (23)
Shutouts: Aljaz Ivacic, Jake Leeker (1)
Saves: Jake Leeker (36)
Scouting Phoenix Rising FC
Phoenix Rising FC (9-2-5, 32pts) enter Saturday’s match following a 4-1 win on the road at OKC Energy FC on June 22, which extended a seven-game winning streak dating back to May 10. Phoenix ranks first in the Western Conference standings and third in the league overall. In eight home contests played at Casino Arizona Field in 2019, Phoenix is unbeaten with a 5-0-3 record. In their last home match, Phoenix defeated Orange County SC on June 15. Solomon Asante ranks tied for second in the league in goals (10) and leads the USL Championship with seven assists. Goalkeeper Zac Lubin ranks tied for second in the league in shutouts (8) and leads the team with 36 saves.
Phoenix Rising FC head coach: Rick Schantz
Phoenix Rising FC 2019 Team Leaders
Goals: Solomon Asante (10)
Assists: Solomon Asante (8)
Chances Created: Solomon Asante (45)
Shutouts: Zac Lubin (8)
Saves: Zac Lubin (36)
