Timbers U-23s earn road point in draw with Pumas

BREMERTON, Wash. –The Portland Timbers U-23s extended their season-opening unbeaten streak to five games and earned their fourth shutout of the season, playing the Kitsap Pumas to a scoreless draw on Saturday night in the Pumas’ home opener at Gordon Field.

After defeating North Sound SeaWolves FC 2-0 on Friday in Portland, the Timbers U-23s faced matches on back-to-back days with Saturday’s contest at Kitsap. The Timbers U-23s’ defense turned in another solid outing, holding the Pumas to just three shots to record a third straight shutout. Goalkeeper David Meves recorded his Premier Development League-leading fourth shutout of the season without having to register a save against Kitsap.

With the draw, the Timbers U-23s (4-0-1, 13pts) remain in first place in the PDL’s Northwest Division. Portland has not allowed a goal in 292 consecutive minutes of league play, dating back to May 18.

The Pumas (1-2-3, 6pts) played their first home match of the season after opening the campaign with five consecutive road games; they were held scoreless for just the second time this season.

Timbers U-23s midfielder Jose Ribas had one of the better scoring chances of the match in the 30th minute. Ribas was played in for a one-on-one with Pumas goalkeeper Aaron Fenlason, but put his effort just wide of the goal. Portland out-shot Kitsap 9-3.

The Timbers U-23s continue a four-game road stretch with two matches next week, starting Wednesday, June 5, against the Washington Crossfire at Redmond High School in Redmond, Wash., at 7 p.m. (Pacific). The Timbers U-23s will then visit the Sounders FC U23 on Sunday, June 9, at Tumwater High School in Tumwater, Wash., at 5 p.m. (Pacific).

Notes: Through five games, the Timbers U-23s have allowed just one goal this season, the fewest in the Western Conference … With the draw, the Timbers U-23s are 5-3-4 in the all-time series against the Pumas … Saturday’s match between the two division rivals was their first meeting at Gordon Field. Their previous matches were played at Bremerton Memorial Stadium … Midfielder John McFarlin made his first appearance of the season for the Timbers U-23s with a start against Kitsap … Portland was held scoreless for the first time this season.