The Victoria Highlanders (3-1-1) and Portland Timbers U-23 (1-5-2) renew acquaintance today at 2 p.m. at Centennial Stadium in United Soccer League 2.
The Highlanders are coming off a 1-0 win last week at Swangard Stadium in Burnaby against TSS Rovers on a goal by Victory Shumbusho, his club-leading second of the season, and a clean sheet by Trevor Schneider.
“It was an important three points to earn on the road,” said Highlanders head coach Thomas Niendorf.
Today is the second meeting of the season between the Highlanders and Portland, with Victoria prevailing 2-0 in the earlier match-up. But Timbers U-23 are 1-1-2 after starting the season 0-4. The win came against defending Premier Development League (now USL 2) champion Calgary Foothills.
“Portland is coming off a solid defensive performance on Friday night where they played to a scoreless draw against Sounders U-23,” Niendorf said.
“Their last four games have shown the type of talent that they have on their roster. We expect them to come out looking for three points and looking to push us tactically. We just need to play our game and make sure that we are working as team across the field. It should be an exciting match.”
