Timbers2 Take a Point After Draw Against Ventura County FC

June 9, 2024 – MLS NEXT Pro (MLS NEXT Pro)
Portland Timbers 2 News Release

PORTLAND, Ore. - After a scoreless first half, Timbers2 and Ventura County FC combined to score six goals in the final 45 minutes, playing to a 3-3 draw Sunday afternoon at Providence Park. Christian Mendoza and Max Eisenberg both scored their first professional goals and Josh Penn tallied his third goal of the season as T2 came back from a 2-0 deficit after 58 minutes to earn a point at home.

First Goals

Christian Mendoza and Max Eisenberg each scored their first-ever professional goals Sunday afternoon. Both did so as second-half substitutions, with Mendoza scoring one minute after checking into the match. Notably, it was the fastest a T2 sub has scored a goal after entering a match so far this season. Eisenberg scored four minutes after coming into the game. With their goals, it marked the first time two Timbers2 substitutes have scored in the same match so far this season.

Leading Contributor

With his two-goal contribution performance (1G, 1A), Josh Penn took the lead as T2’s leading contributer with seven (3G, 4A). Penn scored for a third consecutive T2 home match (5/10 vs. TAC; 5/31 vs. HOU), tying Kyle Linhares for the team lead in goals scored (3). The goal was Penn’s first from the penalty spot so far this season and second from a set piece.

Goal-Scoring Plays

VCFC – Isaiah Parente, 54th minute: Gino Vivi received the ball on the left and attacked the top of the box before taking a shot that was deflected. The ball fell to Isaiah Parente in the middle of the box, who took a low-driven, right-footed shot into the bottom left corner of the net.

VCFC – Aaron Bibout (Ruben Ramos), 58th minute: Making a diagonal run, Ruben Ramos received the ball on the right wing and took a touch before sending a low cross across the box to Aaron Bibout at the far post. The forward settled the ball with his right foot before firing it into the back of the net.

POR – Christian Mendoza, 61st minute: Applying pressure high up the field, T2 forced an errant pass that Noah Santos intercepted in the attacking third. Santos took a touch and fired a shot that was saved, but the rebound fell to Christian Mendoza in the box, who used his right foot to strike the ball into the goal.

POR – Josh Penn (Penalty), 83rd minute: Victor Enríquez earned a penalty kick for Timbers2 after being taken down inside the box. Josh Penn stepped up to the spot and used his left foot to slot the ball past…