Development Academy: Portland makes academy debut

By Jimmy LaRoue

While the Portland Timbers’ U-18 Development Academy team got off to a bit of a rough debut with back-to-back losses on its opening weekend to Chivas USA and the LA Galaxy, the Timbers’ U-16s had better results, pulling out ties against the same two clubs.

The Timbers’ U-18s opened with a 5-0 loss to Chivas USA as Danny Moreno scored twice to lead Chivas, following up that with a 2-0 loss to the LA Galaxy. The Timbers’ Christian Desir hit the post for the second straight match (More on Chivas USA’s academy teams weekend results)

The Timbers’ U-16s, though, opened with a 2-2 tie against Chivas USA, getting goals from Niko De Vera and Reid Baez. They followed by rallying for a 1-1 tie with the Galaxy, with Baez scoring his second goal of the weekend.

Seattle Sounders also made the Northwest to SoCal roadie, with the U-18s tying the LA Galaxy 3-3 Saturday, and falling to Chivas USA 4-2 the next day. Ike Crook scored twice–once in each game–while Jordan Morris had assists on each of Crook’s goals. The Sounders’ U-16s, like the Timbers U-16s, picked up two road ties, 1-1 against the LA Galaxy and 2-2 against Chivas USA, with Denis Kalamar scoring once in each game.

Vancouver also went south to face Pateadores and Strikers FC. On Saturday, Vancouver’s U-18s picked up a 3-1 win, while the U-16s played to a scoreless draw. In Sunday’s matches against Strikers FC, the Whitecaps’ U-16s lost 4-1, while the U-18s fell 3-0.

D.C. United, Baltimore Bays Chelsea and McLean Youth Soccer U-16 and U-18 academy teams each opened with wins for their respective clubs.

In a Colorado rivalry to start the season, Real Colorado took on Colorado Rush, with the U-16s playing to a 1-1 tie and Real’s U-18s picking up a 2-0 win. Rush’s goal included a goal from Miguel Ruiz, who took the ball down the left sideline about 65 yards, cut inside to the box and scored.

Here are the complete results from the first weekend of academy play.