MLS NEXT PRO: Timbers2 Edge Whitecaps FC 2 in Dramatic Shootout Victory

Staff Writer
Mar 11
3 min read

NATIONAL SOCCER NEWS: www.nationalsoccernetwork.com

PORTLAND, Ore. — Portland Timbers2 secured a hard-fought two points on Sunday night, defeating Cascadia rival Whitecaps FC 2 in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw in regulation at Providence Park. The result marks a resilient bounce-back for the Portland side, which utilized a clinical performance from the penalty spot to claim the extra point in the Western Conference standings.

The match remained a defensive stalemate for the majority of the first hour as both sides struggled to find a breakthrough in the final third. The deadlock was finally broken in the 68th minute when Portland’s Keesean Ferdinand found the back of the net, capitalizing on a sustained period of pressure to give the hosts a 1-0 lead. The goal sparked a frantic closing stretch as Vancouver pushed numbers forward in search of an equalizer.

Vancouver’s persistence paid off in the 83rd minute when Nicolas Fleuriau Chateau leveled the score, slotting home a clinical finish to beat Portland goalkeeper Ryan Bilichuk. With neither side able to find a winner in the closing minutes of regulation, the match moved directly to a shootout to determine who would walk away with the additional point.

In the shootout, Timbers2 showed nerves of steel, converting all five of their attempts. Max Eisenberg, Jaden Jones-Riley, Alex Moreno, and Blake Pope all beat the Vancouver keeper before Malcolm Johnston stepped up to bury the decisive fifth penalty. The flawless execution from the spot ensured Portland secured the 5-3 shootout victory.

Goalkeeper Ryan Bilichuk played a pivotal role throughout the evening, recording three saves during regulation to keep Portland in the contest before the defense held firm during the high-pressure tiebreaker. The victory at Providence Park continues Portland’s strong form at home, where they have historically thrived against regional rivals.

"Winning a Cascadia derby always requires a little extra grit," Timbers2 coaching staff noted following the result. "To stay composed after giving up a late lead and then go five-for-five in the shootout speaks volumes about the maturity of this young roster. These are the types of points that matter most at the end of the season."

The result moves Timbers2 into a competitive position in the Western Conference as they look to build momentum in the early stages of the 2026 campaign. For Whitecaps FC 2, the single point earned on the road provides a silver lining, though the club will rue the missed opportunity to secure all three points after their late offensive surge.

Statistically, the match was as even as the scoreline suggested. Portland finished the night with 11 total shots, including four on target, while Vancouver registered 10 shots with four on frame. The physical nature of the derby was evident in the disciplinary report, with the referee issuing five yellow cards over the course of the 90 minutes.

Timbers2 will now turn their attention to a road trip to face North Texas SC, while Whitecaps FC 2 returns home to host Ventura County FC. As the MLS NEXT Pro season intensifies, both sides remain firmly in the hunt for early-season playoff positioning.

Match Statistics:

Scoring Summary:

POR: Ferdinand — 68'

VAN: Fleuriau Chateau — 83'

Misconduct Summary:

POR: Ferdinand (Caution) — 21'

VAN: Knight (Caution) — 23'

VAN: Dasovic (Caution) — 38'

POR: Pope (Caution) — 45+1'

POR: Miller (Caution) — 59'

Shootout Summary:

POR: Eisenberg (Goal), Jones-Riley (Goal), Moreno (Goal), Pope (Goal), Johnston (Goal)