Match Preview: T2 visit Sacramento Republic

Half way through a four game road trip the Timbers 2 have 1 point so far to bring home. Next up, visiting the golden state capital and Sacramento Republic FC.

Portland Timbers 2

T2 (2-1-1, 7pts) unfortunately lost the last match vs Sounders 2 to a late chip and allowed S2 to keep an undefeated record at Starfire so far this season. On real short rest and playing in a hostile environment, T2 did everything they could to get at least a point out but it wasn't enough against an S2 team that is built to attack and outscore opponents more than keep them off the board.

With a full weeks rest, and no one new injured or suspended, T2 should be able to trot out a full strength starting XI. When they played against S2 you could tell the kids were tired and there was only one sub for the T2 side on the entire match. This time around we should hopefully be able to see all the speed and glory we've started to get accustomed to.

Sacramento Republic FC

Sacramento Republic (3-2-0, 9pts) put two goals past the Whitecaps 2 only three nights ago (Hello short turnaround, our old friend). Including an absolute, 60-yd stunner from star midfielder Rodrigo Lopez. A goal that is likely to win goal of the year by a landslide if USL has a goal of the year competition.

They are currently 2-0-0 in their home record so far. Defeating LA II and Whitecaps 2 this past week, outscoring opponents 5-1 in those two matches. T2 will need to be wary of Rodrigo Lopez, but with victories against LA II twice, and Whitecaps 2 once, the three games Sacramento have won have been against teams that are not looking so good so far. T2 performed well against them at home and hopefully can do so again. The atmosphere at Bonney Field hopefully shouldn't be intimidating giving their own experience with such environments here in Portland.

Match Information

Watch it: Streamed live on Timbers.com/T2 and embedded in our T2 match thread

Kickoff: Saturday, April 18th, 7:30pm pacific at Bonney Field, Sacramento, California

Portland Timbers 2: 2-1-1, 7pts, 4th place in the USL Western Conference

Sacramento Republic FC: 3-2-0, 9pts, 3rd place in the USL Western Conference