LA Galaxy II won their third match in succession as they knocked off Portland Timbers 2 on the road by a score of 1-4. This latest victory extended the eight game unbeaten run and propelled ‘Los Dos’ into the top spot in the Western Conference.
The first half of the match was action packed. On the afternoon’s first chance, the visitors found an early breakthrough. It came in only the sixth minute when Los Dos won a corner kick and Josh Turnley sent a ball towards the far post. Lee Nishanian rose above the Timbers defenders and nodded home past Portland’s goalkeeper.
Set pieces were key early on for the second team as their second goal also came from a dead ball situation. In the 18th minute of play, Jose Villarreal whipped in a dangerous ball off a free kick towards the middle of the six-yard box. Bryam Rebellion rose up in space and redirected the delivery into the far side of the goal.
Portland managed to slice LA’s lead in half with ten minutes left in the opening 45 minutes, off of a set piece no less. Neco Brett sent a corner towards big Rennico Clark. The center defender hit a pin-point header past Clement Diop for Portland’s only goal of the night.
With six minutes remaining until the halftime interval, the young G’s scored their third. After some high pressure, the Timbers turned the ball over. A quick pass was played into space to Raul Mendiola. Mendiola did the rest as he slotted an excellent shot into the back of the net.
There was one more goal scored in the match and it came in the 75th minute. Bradford Jamieson IV came off the bench and had a big impact with his play. BJIV found room down the left to operate and sent an excellent cross towards big Jack McBean. McBean found himself in space inside the area and used his strong aerial presence to nod home the fourth goal.
Los Dos will look to maintain their fine form as they hit the road once more next week. They travel to Texas to take on a San Antonio squad who has not lost in five matches themselves.
LINEUPS:
LA Galaxy II: Clement Diop; Josh Turley, Hugo Arellano (Jeffrey Payeras 85′), Lee Nishanian, Nathan Smith; Bryam Rebellon, Jaime Villarreal (Ryo Fujii 80′), Raul Mendiola (Alejandro Covarrubias 45′), Jose Villarreal (Ethan Zubak 67′); Jack McBean, Adonis Amaya (Bradford Jamieson IV 60′).
Substitutions not used: Bennett Sneddon, Oscar Sorto
SCORING SUMMARY:
LA – Lee Nishanian 6′ (Assisted by Josh Turnley), Bryam Rebellon 18′ (Assisted by Jose Villarreal), Raul Mendiola 39′ (Assisted by Adonis Amaya), Jack McBean 75′ (Assisted by Bradford Jamieson IV)
T2 – Rennico Clarke 35′ (Assisted by Neco Brett)