Portland Timbers 2 4, Newcastle United 3: PTFC's USL side knocks off Magpies in Rose City thriller

Timbers 2 vs Newcastle

Portland Timbers 2 treated their fans to one of the most memorable nights in their short history on Tuesday, defeating English Premier League side Newcastle United 4-3 in a wild international friendly at Providence Park.


Newcastle newcomer Georginio Wijnaldum gave the Magpies an early lead only for T2, the Timbers' USL-based reserve side, to reel off four straight goals and take a jaw-dropping 4-1 lead over their illustrious guests.



First T2 midfielder Fatawu buried a rebound of a Kharlton Belmar shot to level matters. Then defender Anthony Manning finished a quality free-kick delivery from Michael Nanchoff and Taylor Peay buried a loose ball following a corner kick to give the USL team a 3-1 halftime lead.

Nick Besler, younger brother of Sporting Kansas City star Matt Besler, pushed the lead to 4-1 after the break, only for Newcastle to strike back in the closing stages with two goals in two minutes from Rolando Aarons. Time ran out on the Magpies' comeback hopes, however.


Tuesday marked the final stop on Newcastle's North American tour, which also included dates with Mexican club Atlas and reigning USL champions Sacramento Republic.