SALEM, Ore. — Defender Dennis Castillo scored his first goal of the season as the Portland Timbers U-23s earned a 1-1 draw against Lane United FC in front of 756 fans at McCulloch Stadium at Willamette University on Tuesday night.
Portland (4-4-3, 15pts) took the lead in the 80th minute as Castillo headed the ball in off a long throw-in from defender Hugo Rhoads. The assist was Rhoads’ fourth of the season.
In the 88th minute, Lane United FC (2-6-1, 7pts) forward Connor Bevans scored the equalizer, converting the cross from midfielder/forward Chico Sastre.
The Timbers U-23s had multiple chances in the first half. Midfielder Zach Hamer hit at shot from close range just over the crossbar, while Castillo’s diving effort off Rhoads’ free kick in the 58th minute missed wide.
Controlling the possession throughout much of the match, Portland outshot Lane United FC, 13-9.
The Timbers U-23s play their second straight match against Lane United FC and final regular-season road match Friday, July 11 at the Willamalane Center in Springfield, Ore.; kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. (Pacific).
Notes: Rhoads has tallied at least one assist in three consecutive matches … Forward Kharlton Belmar registered a team high five shots in the match … Midfielder Edson Martinez made his debut for the Timbers U-23s, playing five minutes as a second-half substitute.
