Sounders U-23, Timbers U-23 Clinch Playoff Berths in PDL

By Athletic Communications on July 7, 2012 6:03 PM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

The Sounders U-23 and Timbers U-23s have both clinched a playoff berth in the Premier Development League's Northwest Division with their wins Friday.

The Sounders U-23 defeated the Kitsap Pumas 2-1 Friday night in a dramatic finish, overcoming a 1-0 deficit and scoring two goals in the last 3 minutes of the match. DeAndrew Yedlin tied the game in the 87th minute and an own goal from Pumas defender Steve Mohn in the 88th put the game away for the Sounders U-23.

Husky junior Michael Uyehara played the full 90 minutes for the Sounders and fellow teammate and sophomore transfer Darwin Jones had two shots in the game.

Currently on a four-game winning streak, the Sounders U-23 found themselves atop the PDL northwest division standings with 30 points, dropping previous first-place Kitsap Pumas in a tie for second with the Timbers. The Sounders U-23's can guarantee a first place finish in the division with wins in its last two matches. They will face last place Fraser Valley Mariners on Sunday afternoon and then finish the regular season with a match-up against the North Sound SeaWolves; both matches will be at home at Franklin Pierce High School.

Meanwhile in Camas, Wash., the Portland Timbers U-23s beat the Washington Crossfire 1-0 to guarantee them a spot in the PDL Northwest Division playoffs. Mark Sherrod had the lone goal to extend the Timbers U-23s' unbeaten streak to four matches.

Portland and UW goalkeeper Spencer Richey recorded his third shutout to guide the team to their fourth win in six games, tallying two saves, including a magnificent one in the 17th minute, tipping an open look by Crossfire defender Jordan Burt from inside the box over the crossbar. For the Crossfire, seniors Ben Fisk and Nathan Sackeyfio played the full 90, each having a shot in the game.

The Timbers and Kitsap Pumas will battle out for second place in the division (both are currently tied) on Sunday at Hare Field in Hillsboro, OR at 6 p.m. They will then finish the regular season at Redmond for another match with the Crossfire on Wednesday, June 11.