Portland Timbers Academy Update

After a rough start to the season the academy teams have seen some success in their recent games. Here is what the Timbers website had to say:

The Portland Timbers Academy teams split their matches against Cascadia-rival Vancouver Whitecaps FC Residency over the weekend at South Surrey Athletic Park in Surrey, B.C. The Timbers U-18 Academy claimed a 6-3 victory, while the Timbers U-16 Academy was dealt a 2-0 loss.

Featuring hat tricks - the firsts in team history - from midfielder James Nosack (Ridgefield, Wash.) and forward Timur Zhividze (Vancouver, Wash.), the Timbers U-18 Academy rallied from two goals down to defeat the Whitecaps FC Residency U-18s in Vancouver's first home match of the season.

Lucas Cawley's dad also had this to say about the trip, specifically concerning Lucas:

Lucas returned from Canada more motivated than ever to become the best player that he can be. As a first year academy the Portland Timbers being able to go up to Vancouver and win on the road 6 to 3 against a highly regarded residential academy will do that. My details come from an Independent observer and not Lucas. Because of player rotation Lucas did not start this game so he watched as the Timbers fell behind 2 to 0 about 20 minutes into the game. Lucas got the call to start warming up and entered the game in the first half at about the 30 minute. Portland was able to fight back and get a goal to make it 2 to 1 at halftime. I am told the atmosphere was very exciting with drums and smoke bombs from the local Vancouver supporters. Portland took control of the game in the second half by scoring an amazing 5 goals on a very good Whitecaps team. Lucas was able to assist on one of the goals and his pace did seem to help open that game up . A great win for the team and after 10 of 13 on the road to start the season all the spring home games should present an opportunity for a good run at the end. Also of note 8 of the 10 road games have been against other MLS academies. In talking with Lucas last night his body is a little tired and he is ready for a nice three week Christmas break back in Utah. He has some very specific goals on what type of condition and shape he will return to Portland in following the Holiday break. He is very excited about the spring and summer push. He will also narrow down his college list over the Holidays.

Click here for the U-18 Standings and here for the U-16 Standings.

For Stats for the U-18's click here and for the U-16's click here.