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Late Goal Sends T2 Past Switchbacks

By CHRIS HOCKMAN - chris.hockman@uslsoccer.com, 03/24/18, 10:15PM EDT

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Williams scores 82nd-minute winner for Portland at Weidner Field


Photo courtesy Isaiah J Downing/Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Just when it seemed like Portland Timbers 2 would have to settle for a scoreless draw a late winner gave T2 a 1-0 win against Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC at Weidner Field on Saturday night. In the 82nd minute, Switchbacks goalkeeper Steward Ceus couldn’t hold on to a shot from T2 defender Lamar Batista and T2 forward Augustine Williams was the quickest to react as he slammed the ball home from close range to take all three points back to Portland. T2 started the match strongly having almost all of the ball in the opening minutes of the match but failed to hit the target with any of its first-half chances. After weathering that initial storm the Switchbacks grew in confidence, creating more chances, and putting pressure on T2 goalkeeper Jeff Attinella but he handled himself well, holding out the Switchbacks' attack to keep it scoreless at halftime. The second half saw the Switchbacks going on the attack for almost the entire half, regularly threatening the T2 goal, but just one moment proved enough for T2.

Scoring
82’ – POR – Augustine Williams

Three Things That Matter:

  • 1. The Switchbacks proved too wasteful with their chances, managing 15 shots through the match but only hitting the target with four of them. With Portland's late goals the Switchbacks were severely punished for their inability to find the back of the net earlier in the second half.

  • 2. One thing that kept things tight was the incredibly tackling of T2, which stopped everything the Switchbacks attack threw at it. Portland recorded a tackle success rate of 92.3 percent, a key to keeping the Switchbacks out.

  • 3. T2 finished strongly, after being quiet with chances throughout the match with time running out T2 took advantage of a tiring Switchbacks side, ramping up the pressure and managing two late shots on goal, the first saved by Ceus for the tap in by Williams.

USLSoccer.com Man of the Match:

Augustine Williams, Portland Timbers 2 – While his goal was a simple tap-in Williams posed a threat on a regular basis for T2, winning seven duels to put the Switchbacks defense off balance.

Upcoming Games:
Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC
vs. Saint Louis FC – March 31, 5:00p.m. ET, Toyota Stadium
Portland Timbers 2 vs. Real Monarchs SLC  – March 31, 3:00p.m. ET, Zions Bank Stadium

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