Timbers 2 Defeat Sporting KC II in 5-2 Win at Providence Park

July 26, 2024 – MLS NEXT Pro (MLS NEXT Pro)
Portland Timbers 2 News Release

PORTLAND, Ore. ‚ – Timbers2 used a four-goal second half to cruise past Sporting Kansas City II by a score of 5-2 on Thursday night at Providence Park. Portland’s first-team players shined as Tega Ikoba netted a hat-trick and Marvin Loría scored in his debut 2024 performance. Kyle Linhares scored his fifth of the 2024 campaign tonight, tied for the team lead. Currently in ninth place in the Western Conference, the season best five-goal display propelled T2 within one point of a playoff spot.

Hat Trick Hero

Ikoba became the second player in Timbers2’s MLS NEXT Pro era to net a hat-trick with his three-goal outburst Thursday night. Scoring with his head, from a volley and off a rebound, the forward netted his first T2 goal since Sept. 10, 2023. Additionally, Ikoba now has eight goals in MLS NEXT Pro play.

High-Powered Attack

Timbers2 netted a season-high five goals in tonight’s match. Notably, its three goals scored over the course of four minutes (50′, 52′, 54′) is the fastest it has scored three goals so far this campaign. The only time T2 has put the ball in the back of the net more than it did Thursday night came on August 9, 2023, when it scored six against LA Galaxy II. With their goals, Ikoba and Loría became the 13 and 14 individual players to score for T2 so far this season. Additionally, Linhares tied Josh Penn for the team lead in goals with five, while Harvey Neville matched Penn for the team lead in assists with four.

Home Sweet Home

Tonight marked T2’s fourth win at Providence Park so far this season. Notably, the club has taken points from six of its last seven home matches (3-1-3) since April 21. Of T2’s 29 goals scored this season, 22 have come at home. T2 has four home matches remaining on its 2024 MLS NEXT Pro schedule, with its next game at Providence Park set for 8 p.m. (Pacific) against Austin FC II on Aug. 8.

Goal-Scoring Plays

POR – Tega Ikoba (Blake Pope), 23rd minute: On a well-worked team move, Marvin Loría found Blake Pope with a curving long ball over the top. After receiving the ball, Pope sent a floating cross toward Tega Ikoba in the center of the box, who headed the ball into the net.

POR – Marvin Loría (Penalty kick), 50th minute: Tega Ikoba was fouled in the box. Marvin Loría stepped up and converted the penalty kick with his left foot into the lower-left corner of the net.

POR – Tega Ikoba (Jaden Jones-Riley), 52nd minute: Driving up the right wing…