MLS Portland Timbers

Evans Brace Helps Timbers U-23s Defeat Pumas 4-0

Published on May 24, 2012 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Portland Timbers News Release


PORTLAND, Ore. -.A brace by midfielder Steven Evans along with a goal and two assists from midfielder Cam Vickers guided the Portland Timbers U-23s to a 4-0 victory over the Kitsap Pumas in front of a Premier Development League-record crowd of 8,029 on a Health and Fitness School Day, presented by Providence Sports Care Center, at JELD-WEN Field on Thursday afternoon.

The 8,029 fans on hand Thursday for the special day match topped the PDL's previous attendance mark of 7,853 set by the Fresno Fuego on April 29, 2011.

The Timbers U-23s scored three goals inside a span of six minutes just after the half hour mark, starting with midfielder Andrew Ribiero's go-ahead tally, to take a 3-0 lead at halftime. Vickers earned his two assists setting up both of Evans' goals, coming on either side of halftime. Portland's defense held Kitsap to just nine shots and without a shot on goal as it picked up its second shutout of the season in the 4-0 win.

Evans, Ribiero and Vickers all tallied their first goals of the season to help the Timbers U-23s (3-0-0, 9pts) to their third straight win to open the season. Goalkeepers Spencer Richey and Justin Baarts split time in goal, helping hold Kitsap (2-2-0, 6pts) scoreless and ending the team's two-match winning streak in league play.

The Northwest Division rivals slugged through the opening 30 minutes, before the Timbers U-23s opened the scoring in the 33rd minute. A deflected Kitsap clearance left the ball in the attacking third for the Timbers U-23s, and Ribiero took a shot from the top of the arch. Pumas goalkeeper Zac Lubic was in position to make the save, but the ball slipped through his gloves and bounced over the goal line.

Vickers doubled the Timbers U-23s lead 2-0 a minute later in the 34th minute. He was played in down the right flank on a well-placed pass from midfield and earned a one-on-one with Lubic in the box. Vickers had his initial shot stopped by the goalkeeper, but was able to collect the rebound and slotted home in to the back of an open net.

Evans lifted the Timbers U-23s to a 3-0 lead with his first goal of the match in the 39th minute, notching his first of the season. Off a short corner on the right side played by Vickers, Evans took a centering touch and blasted a shot from the top corner of the area past the reach of Lubic and inside the far post.

Vickers and Evans connected again in the 54th minute to push the Timbers U-23s' advantage to four goals. From deep in the right corner, Vickers served a cross into the box. The ball skipped by forward Mark Sherrod and went to Evans 15 yards out from goal. Evans hammered in his second goal of the match, giving the Timbers U-23s a 4-0 lead.

The Timbers U-23s continue their two-game week Saturday as they hit the road for the first time this season to take on Vancouver Whitecaps FC U-23 at the University of British Columbia at 2 p.m. (Pacific).

Notes: Midfielder Steven Evans recorded the Timbers U-23s' third multiple-goal performance of the 2012 season; forward Mark Sherrod recorded the first two ... During the match, Sherrod was named the PDL Player of the Week for Week 3 by United Soccer Leagues ... The 8,029 fans at JELD-WEN Field on Thursday also set a new Timbers U-23s attendance mark, breaking the previous record of 4,754 set last season in a Health and Fitness School Day on June 3, also against Kitsap ... Midfielder Cam Vickers now has a team-leading four assists on the season and has recorded an assist in each of the team's first three matches of 2012 ... The Timbers U-23s defense has conceded just one goal through their first three matches this season ... Portland improves to 4-2-2 in the all-time series against Kitsap, with a 2-1-1 mark at home ... The Timbers U-23s play host to their second and final Health and Fitness School Day, presented by Providence Sports Care Center, of 2012 on Friday, June 2 at JELD-WEN Field.

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