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Roughnecks, T2 End All Square

By NICHOLAS MURRAY - nicholas.murray@uslsoccer.com, 04/04/18, 10:03PM EDT

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Portland’s McIntosh produces brilliant late save as points are shared


Photo courtesy Rich Crimi / Tulsa Roughnecks FC

TULSA, Okla. – Tulsa Roughnecks FC and the Portland Timbers 2 played to a 0-0 draw on Wednesday night at ONEOK Field in an entertaining contest that saw both sides threaten to grab victory. Both teams went close to opening the scoring in the first half, and Portland’s Jeremy Ebobisse went close just before the break as his header was just turned aside by Roughnecks goalkeeper Fabian Cerda. The Roughnecks came out brightly to start the second half and forced a big save by T2 goalkeeper Kendall McIntosh on a volley by Ivan Mirkovic from 15 yards. Tulsa’s Fernando Arce hit the crossbar just past the hour-mark with a fine curling effort from 20 yards as the hosts continued to press, while McIntosh pulled off an outstanding save to keep out Claudio Muñoz’s flicked finish from a corner with three minutes to go. Neither side was able to break the deadlock late, however, as the teams shared a point apiece.

Scoring:
None

Three Things That Matter:

  • 1. After Saturday’s heavy defeat, Tulsa Roughnecks FC needed a major confidence boost. While the final game of the club’s three-game home stand didn’t produce the club’s first win of the season there was plenty to be pleased about for Head Coach David Vaudreuil from his side. Leading the way was Argentinian playmaker Fernando Arce, who was the source of numerous chances and produced the closest moment to a goal with a shot that came back off the crossbar. With their first point in hand, the Roughnecks should have a positive feeling after a much more positive display.

  • 2. Due to injury and suspension the Roughnecks were almost forced into a new formation as the hosts lined up with three center backs, and while T2 was able to find some openings in the first half as the game progressed it began to look like a viable long-term option for Head Coach David Vaudreuil as the trio of Francisco Ugarte, Claudio Muñoz and Adrian Jusino picked off potential danger more effectively. After Saturday’s defensive issues against Orange County, Wednesday’s display provided a welcome return to solidity and the potential to build moving forward.

  • 3. Portland had the better of the first half, but after failing to take advantage of its chances had to thank goalkeeper Kendall McIntosh as it walked away with a draw as the former U.S. U20 international pulled off a pair of tremendous saves to keep the Roughnecks out of the net in the second half. In particular, McIntosh’s diving save to keep out a near-post volley by Claudio Muñoz on a corner in the 87th minute was among the best of the season so far and highlighted McIntosh’s outstanding reflexes.

USLSoccer.com Man of the Match

Kendall McIntosh, Portland Timbers 2 – McIntosh’s three-save shutout was highlighted by a pair of stellar second-half stops that preserved a point on the road for T2.

Upcoming Games:

Tulsa Roughnecks FC at Fresno FC – April 18, 10 p.m. ET, Chukchansi Park

Portland Timbers 2 at OKC Energy FC – April 8, 8 p.m. ET, Taft Stadium

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