Portland Timbers II secured a comfortable 3-0 win over North Texas in the MLS Next Pro Group Stage on Saturday evening. The visitors took all three points at home soil, moving further clear in their pursuit of top spot. It was a result that kept their momentum going after a string of positive performances.
Cervantes opened the scoring in the 32nd minute, giving Portland the advantage they would not relinquish. He received a yellow card himself nine minutes later, a rare moment of indiscipline in an otherwise clean display. By then the hosts were already looking to find a way back into the contest.
Izoita doubled the lead in the 57th minute, putting the result beyond doubt. Coaches on both sides then began reshuffling their units, with six substitutions coming in quick succession. North Texas tried to find something from the bench, but the line had barely moved.
Kissel added a late third goal in the 90th minute plus eight to close out the game. The hosts picked up two bookings in a row near the end, with Ospina and VanVoorhis both cautioned. Portland held firm and did not travel to make up the numbers.
North Texas dominated possession at 57 per cent but could not convert their advantage. They registered four shots on target against eight for the visitors, who were more clinical. Attacks favoured the hosts 166 to 140, but blocked shots tell another story — eight for Portland compared to just one for North Texas.
The result leaves Portland in second place with 53 points from 25 games, while North Texas remain seventh on 38 points. The gap between them is now 15 points, and the relationship has soured rather than tightened. Portland cannot afford another slip if they are to close in on a deal for the top position.