MNUFC2 returns to MLS NEXT Pro action this weekend for yet another road game, this time taking on Rose City for a showdown with Timbers2. On a weekend that will see the first and second teams on opposite coasts, the club will be stretched a bit thin as the Twos look to grab their first points of the season. 

In their opening two matches, the Loons fell 4-1 and 2-1 to LAFC2 and Real Monarchs, respectively. While they wait for the dome to come down at the NSC Stadium, the Twos will have to continue being road warriors—not an easy way to start the season. But despite the score lines they’ve seen go against them, there has been plenty of positivity in the squad. 

Between the U.S. Open Cup and the MLSNP regular season, the second team has relied heavily on Academy talent from both the U17 and U19 sides, fulfilling the true purpose of the player pathway. This initiative has transformed the makeup of the squad, with fewer players on MNUFC2-specific rosters than years prior. Pair a smaller roster with the presence of Academy coaches on the sidelines for the second team, and you get the perfect recipe for opportunity. 

Time after time, these youngsters have stepped up when called upon, and they’ll have to continue to do so as the season progresses. MNUFC2 regulars Molik Jesse Khan and Loïc Mesanvi will have to continue leading their younger teammates as they look to find their feet this early in the season. Look for them to come alongside several of the youngsters that impressed during the U.S. Open Cup matches. 

Though the club announced Jeremy Hall as the new head coach of MNUFC2 this week, he will be unavailable this weekend as he serves his red card suspension from the last match. In his stead, Fanendo Adi will be on the touchline on Sunday, revisiting the stadium where he made over 100 appearances for the Portland Timbers.

Timbers2 come into this match with a 1-1-3 record (W-L-D), including a single shootout win. They’re fresh off a 2-0 win against Colorado Rapids 2 and a three-match unbeaten run that has seen them rise to eighth in the West. This will be another solid test for the Loons, but they should head into this one with plenty of motivation and belief.

The match is scheduled to kick off at 4:00 p.m. CT this Sunday, just before the first team takes on Charlotte at 5:00, so make sure you tune in on MLS Season Pass to warm your eyes up before switching over.  

Timbers2 v MNUFC2

Providence Park | Portland, Oregon

4.21.2024 | MLS NEXT Pro Game No. 3

4:00 p.m. CT | Streaming on MLS Season Pass