Update on Timbers U-23 vs Washington Crossfire

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Timbers U-23’s take hard loss 3-2 vs Washington Crossfire… notable goals scored by Ribas – a ripping, left-pegged curler from top right of the box and Foxhoven nets nifty and wicked wheelhouse stunner at 90′.

Some strong play offered up by Gallego, playing center-back and a position that is probably not his best on the pitch but still a very good game and he shows keen positional awareness and a laser like ability to offer up switches and direct long balls with very good accuracy.

Abdul-Salaam was stunning at right fullback with influence, pace, a very good throw, nifty touches and very good vertical leap.  His penetration and threat to penetrate created many chances last night but with bouncey pitch others found it hard to control short passing game on a tight pitch.

While not offering highlight reel type play #14 McFarlin showed ability to play the simple ball and keep things moving as others struggled at times to keep with the pace of the pitch.

More work needed on the defending left side; too many times in the first half and second half that side of the pitch was “positionally” at risk and sometimes vacated in favor of pushing forward…

All told, play could have been more simple with a tad bit more patience given the bouncey pitch surface; which may have impacted a first touch or two quite often this game.  There were glimpses of possession based ball movement, especially in the second half; more opportunities await the U-23’s in a match today in Portland and a return to their league play Sunday in Hillsboro.
It would be rude not to offer up Kudo’s for #4 of Crossfire (Christian Roldan) – who had some superb touches, was lightening quick and penetrated the back four from both sides. He netted two goals; one near post and one far post and caused havoc most of the night…