Portland Timbers 2 (8-4-2, 26pts) hope to build on their previous victory, when they host OKC Energy FC (2-10-1, 7pts) on Wednesday.
Entering the match in woeful form, Energy FC have lost three of their previous five matches. During those five, they managed one win, unfortunately it was only their second win of the season.
OKC snatched defeat from the jaws of victory against Seattle Sounders 2 last time out. Despite being the better side for much of the match and taking the lead in the 76th minute behind an Alex Dixon goal, Energy FC couldn’t hang on, falling victim to a late brace from S2 midfielder David Estrada.
A lack of goal scoring has played a significant role in Energy FC’s struggles. OKC have seven goals on the season, ranking dead last in the United Soccer League at 33rd. By comparison, there are four players in USL that have scored seven or more goals on the season. Former T2 player and current Swope Park Ranger Kharlton Belmar leads the league with eight goals.
While their attack might be the worst in the league, Energy FC’s defense is hardly better. OKC have conceded 22 goals on the season, ranking them fifth worst in the league.
The last time the two sides met was a commanding 3-0 victory for T2 in April. Foster Langsdorf, Victor Arboleda, and the Sooner State’s own Lamar Batista provided the goals for T2.
T2 are in fine form entering the match, having won four of their previous five. San Antonio FC’s 2-1 come from behind victory being Portland’s only loss during the stretch. T2 have also managed three clean sheets in the five-game span.
In their last match, T2 tallied a less-than -inspired 1-0 win over Rio Grande Valley FC. Defender Josh Phillips headed goal in the 14th minute was enough to see them past RGVFC. Though they won, Portland looked the lesser side, losing the possession battle and allowing 17 shots. The Toros were victims of their own wretched finishing more than anything else. RGVFC put two of their 17 shots on target.
A normally high-flying attacking side, Portland has seen a recent dip in production. Excluding the seven-goal carnage that was the LA Galaxy II match, T2 has not scored more than one goal in a match since their 2-0 win over Sacramento Republic FC on May 2. Though one goal should be enough to see them past an abjectly bad Energy FC, hopefully forwards Foster Langsdorf and Jeremy Ebobisse bring their shooting boots.
Watch live at Providence Park or stream online on ESPN+ Wednesday, 7 p.m. PST.
T2
2018 World Cup
