MLS NEXT Pro: Timbers2 Remain Unbeaten at Home Following Scoreless Draw with Ventura County FC
- Jonathan Turner
- 4 hours ago
- 2 min read
NATIONAL SOCCER NEWS: www.nationalsoccernetwork.com
PORTLAND, Ore. — Portland Timbers2 (T2) continued their defensive dominance at Providence Park on Monday night, battling Ventura County FC to a 0–0 draw. While T2 secured a vital point to remain undefeated at home this season, they were unable to claim the extra shootout point, eventually falling 8–7 in a marathon nine-round penalty kick session.
The result moves Timbers2 to a 1–0–2 home record for the 2026 campaign, characterized by a backline that has yet to be breached in the Rose City.
A Night of Professional Firsts
The match was a milestone evening for 22-year-old goalkeeper Samuel Joseph. Making just his second appearance since signing with the club in January, Joseph recorded his first professional clean sheet. He was called into action early in the shootout, tallying a save in the first round to give Portland an initial advantage.
The match also featured the professional debut of Cole Cruthers, a former Timbers Academy standout who returned to the Rose City after a decorated four-year collegiate career at Rutgers. Cruthers entered as a second-half substitute, adding fresh energy to a midfield that featured several fellow academy products, including Eric Izoita and Noah Santos.
Defensive Standoff at Providence Park
Despite outshooting Ventura County FC 16–8, T2 struggled to find the decisive finishing touch. Noah Santos led the offensive charge with six total shots, while Daniel Cervantes forced three of the team's eight shots on target.
On the opposite end, Samuel Joseph and the Portland defense—anchored by academy veterans Adolfo Enriquez and Nate Young—limited the visitors to a single shot on goal. It was Portland's second consecutive home shutout, a streak they will look to protect as the season progresses.
Shootout Marathon
With the match tied at the end of regulation, the contest moved to a shootout to decide the extra point. The drama extended to the ninth round:
Early Advantage: Joseph’s first-round save on Dylan Vanney gave T2 the lead.
The Clincher: After eight rounds of clinical finishing from both sides, Ventura’s M. Vanney converted his attempt.
The Heartbreak: T2's Noah Santos saw his ninth-round effort saved by VCFC keeper Conlon, ending the night in favor of the visitors.
Match Statistics
Stat | Portland Timbers2 | Ventura County FC |
Score (Regulation) | 0 | 0 |
Shootout | 7 | 8 |
Total Shots | 16 | 8 |
Shots on Goal | 8 | 1 |
Saves | 1 | 7 |
Corner Kicks | 4 | 4 |
T2 Lineup: Joseph; Bamford, Lund, Tommy, Mueller; Enriquez (Cruthers 91'), Nuñez (J. Izoita 71'), E. Izoita, Santos, Barjolo (Griffith 71'); Cervantes.
Looking Ahead: Timbers2 will now enjoy an extended break before hitting the road to face LAFC2 at USC’s Rawlinson Stadium on April 15. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. PT.
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