Portland Timbers U-23s lose road match against Vancouver Whitecaps FC U-23

VANCOUVER, B.C. — Playing the first of four consecutive road matches, the Portland Timbers U-23s conceded three goals in the second half in a 4-1 loss against Vancouver Whitecaps FC U-23 on Friday night at UBC Thunderbird Stadium in Vancouver, B.C.

Portland traveled to Vancouver for the final regular-season meeting between the two clubs this season. Despite gaining an 8-7 advantage in shots during the match, the Timbers U-23s conceded the opening goal in the 21st minute.

Whitecaps FC U-23 (2-3-3, 9pts) opened the scoring inside the first 25 minutes as midfielder Marco Bustos converted a header off a corner kick, giving Vancouver a 1-0 lead. Bustos finished the match with a brace as Whitecaps FC U-23 scored three goals in the second half, including a pair of goals in second-half stoppage time.

Trailing 2-0, Portland pulled a goal back in the 68th minute as forward Ben Strong netted his second goal in the last three matches for the Timbers U-23s. Midfielder Fatai Alashe registered the assist.

The Timbers U-23s (1-3-2, 5pts) lost for just the second time in all competitions against Vancouver, dating back to 2009.

Portland faces a quick turnaround visiting Victoria Highlanders FC on Saturday at Royal Athletic Park in Victoria, B.C.; kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. (Pacific).

NOTES: Nolan Moore made his debut for the Timbers as a substitute … Strong has scored in consecutive starts … Alashe registered his first assist of the season.