MLS NEXT Pro: Timbers2 Rally for Thrilling Comeback Draw Against Ventura County FC

May 12, 2026 1 Views MLS NEXT PRO

PORTLAND, Ore. — In a high-octane display of resilience at Providence Park, Portland Timbers2 (T2) overcame a two-goal second-half deficit to secure a 3-3 draw against Ventura County FC on Sunday afternoon. While the visitors ultimately walked away with the extra point following a marathon 7-6 penalty shootout, Portland’s second-half surge extended their home unbeaten streak to five matches.

The result moves T2 to 3-1-4 (14 points) on the season, currently placing them in ninth in the Western Conference as they continue a steady run of form.

A Back-and-Forth Battle

Portland ignited the home crowd early. In the 5th minute, Eric Izoita delivered a pinpoint cross from an indirect free kick to the far post, where Charles Ondo rose above the defense to head the ball into the upper 90. It was Ondo’s first goal of the 2026 campaign.

However, Ventura County FC responded with clinical efficiency. Vicente Garcia leveled the match in the 19th minute with a sophisticated curling effort, and the visitors took the lead in first-half stoppage time when Mason Vanney rifled a right-footed shot to the near post.

The situation grew dire for the hosts 13 minutes into the second half. Eric Preston chased down a long ball from his own territory and won a one-on-one duel with the goalkeeper to push Ventura County’s lead to 3-1.

The T2 Comeback

Facing their third come-from-behind situation of the season, Timbers2 found a second gear midway through the half.

67th Minute: Eric Izoita recorded his second assist of the day, whipping a corner kick into the heart of the area. Nicklas Lund climbed above the crowd to power a header down the middle of the goal, cutting the deficit to one.
72nd Minute: The equalizer arrived just five minutes later. Daniel Cervantes pounced on a loose back pass by the Ventura County defense, rounded the rushing goalkeeper, and slotted the ball into the open net from a sharp angle near the touchline.

The frantic final 20 minutes saw chances for both sides, but the match ended 3-3, forcing Portland into their fourth shootout of the year.

Shootout Drama

The shootout was nearly as high-scoring as regulation. Through six rounds, both teams were perfect, including successful attempts from T2 goalscorers Cervantes, Lund, and Ondo. In the seventh round, Ventura County’s Isaak Luna converted his attempt, while a save on Portland’s Kissel ended the afternoon with a 7-6 advantage for the visitors.

Key Performance: Eric Izoita

Timbers Academy product Eric Izoita was the creative engine for T2, recording two assists. This marked the first multi-goal contribution match of his professional career and brought his career T2 total to four assists.

Match Snapshot: