ABBOTSFORD, B.C. – The Abbotsford Mariners scored in the opening minutes of the match and held onto their lead to defeat the Portland Timbers U-23s 1-0 at Bateman Park on Saturday afternoon.
The Timbers U-23s conceded the match’s lone goal in the opening five minutes of the contest on a shot from distance that snuck by goalkeeper Jason Dodson. Portland chased the match for the rest of the way, but could not find the equalizer.
The Timbers U-23s (4-3-1, 13pts) lost their second match in three games, while the Mariners (1-3-2, 5pts) claimed their first victory of the 2011 Premier Development League campaign. Despite the loss, the Timbers U-23s remain in second place in the Northwest Division.
The Timbers U-23s conclude a stretch of three road games in five days on Sunday against the Vancouver Whitecaps Residency at Empire Field Stadium at 3 p.m.
Notes: Abbotsford claimed its first win over Portland in the all-time series between the two teams. The Timbers U-23s hold a 3-1-0 lead in the all-time series ... Portland defenders Luis Esteves and Andy Hackbarth each made their first starts this season … Added to the roster late in the week, midfielder Francisco Vizcaino made his Timbers U-23s debut against the Mariners, coming on as a sub.
Scoring Summary:
ABB: Sasa Plavsic (Danfi Parker)
Timbers U-23s Lineup: GK Jason Dodson, D Luis Esteves (Thomas Iwasaki, 69), D Andy Hackbarth (Sean Morris, 53), D Ryan Kawulok, D Jesus Gonzalez (Reed Matte, 67), M Roberto Farfan (Francisco Vizcaino, 61), M Steven Evans, M Dylan Tucker, F Erik Hurtado (Travis Bowen, 71), F Miles Byass (Ricky Abrego, 53), F Brent Richards
