Switchbacks strike early and often against T2

Portland Timbers 2 1 -Colorado Springs Switchbacks 4

A strong first half was not enough for Portland Timbers 2 (8-6-2, 26pts), Sunday afternoon, who fall 4-1 to Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC (6-8-2, 20pts), after conceding four goals in the second half. The loss is the second in a row for T2 and their third in five matches.

Portland have struggled in the absence of major contributors Eryk Williamson, Victor Arboleda, Modou Jadama, and Kendall McIntosh. Despite Jadama returning to the United Soccer League side after a spell with the first team, the center back and defensive anchor could not halt T2’s slide.

A return to form seemed in the works as T2 entered the match on the attack, controlling much of the first half. Portland found their first chance not even two minutes into the match, when winger Darixon Vuelto flicked the ball with his first touch and bicycle kicked the ball to forward Augustine Williams, who could not put his shot on frame.

In the 18^th minute, winger Harold Hanson chipped the keeper after a long through ball from Jadama, scoring Portland’s only goal of the match. Hanson’s goal was his first as a professional.

T2 would continue to find opportunities through the remainder of the first half, though they were unable to extend their lead.

The start of the second half would see Colorado Springs ascendant, finding their first goal six minutes into the half. Midfielder John Burt cut inside before taking a shot from the top of the D, beating T2 goalkeeper Alex Mangels. Burt would score his second goal in the 55^th minute. The midfielder was played in behind while making a diagonal run from the right wing, scoring with his left foot from near the penalty spot.

Forward Martin Maybin doubled the Colorado Springs lead, in the 77^th minutes, slicing apart the T2 defense with a surging dribble and beating Mangels far post. Switchbacks FC put the match further out of reach, when defender Josh Suggs played a long through ball to late substitute AJ Ajeakwa, who burned the T2 defense before finding the back of the net.

T2 head on the road to play Reno 1868 Saturday, June 30.