Entering Week 19 action, T2 travel to face Sacramento Republic FC at Papa Murphy's Park on Saturday, July 13; kickoff is at 8 p.m. (Pacific).
Last match recap
Trailing 1-0 deep in second-half stoppage time, T2 received a late goal from Todd Wharton to earn a 1-1 draw against Tulsa Roughnecks FC at Providence Park on July 6. Wharton recorded his fourth goal of the season, converting from the penalty spot to help T2 secure a point.
Strong start to 2019
In 18 matches to begin the 2019 season, T2 (7-4-7, 27pts) sit in fourth place in the Western Conference standings, and rank fourth in the league in goals scored (36). Portland is coming off a 1-1 draw against Tulsa Roughnecks FC at Providence Park on July 6. With his goal in the draw against Tulsa, 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 10 starts this campaign. Goalkeeper Jake Leeker has posted 36 saves and one shutout in 11 appearances this season.
T2 against Sacramento Republic FC
In 10 regular-season matches all-time between T2 and Sacramento Republic FC dating back to April 2, 2015, the series is tied 5-5-0. In the last regular-season contest played against the two teams, T2 defeated Sacramento 1-0 at Merlo Field behind Modou Jadama’s game-winning goal on April 13, 2019.
Goals from all over
Thirteen different players have scored for T2 in 18 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 15 matches; three of which have been scored in consecutive matches. Foster Langsdorf and Modou Jadama rank tied for third 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 nine road matches to begin the 2019 season, T2 have only lost twice, posting a 4-2-3 record. Additionally, T2 rank tied for fourth in the league with four road wins this season, outscoring their opponents 22-17 in those matches. 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 (26)
Shutouts: Aljaz Ivacic, Jake Leeker (1)
Saves: Jake Leeker (36)
Scouting Sacramento Republic FC
Sacramento Republic FC (7-7-2, 23pts) enter Saturday’s match following a 1-0 loss to Fresno FC at Papa Murphy’s Park on July 3, which extended two-match losing streak dating back to June 29. Sacramento currently ranks 10th in the Western Conference standings, posting a record of 3-2-0 in their last five matches. In eight home matches played in 2019, Sacramento has posted a 4-2-2 record. Republic FC’s 24 goals as a team ranks 23rd in the USL Championship this season. Foward Cameron Iwasa ranks tied for seventh in the league in goals scored (9), while former Timbers Academy midfielder Sam Werner leads the team with 32 chances created.
Sacramento Republic FC head coach: Simon Elliott
Sacramento Republic FC 2019 Team Leaders
Goals: Cameron Iwasa (9)
Assists: Three players tied (3)
Chances Created: Sam Werner (32)
Shutouts: Josh Cohen (6)
Saves: Josh Cohen (33)
