Portland’s Second-Half Surge Seals Comeback and Six-Point Sweep

Portland, OR — The Portland Bangers completed a pivotal six-point weekend with a hard-fought 2–1 comeback win over the Tacoma Stars on Sunday night at Hilken Community Stadium. After falling behind early, Portland responded with two second-half goals and a tactical shift that turned the tide, marking their second consecutive victory in USL2 Northwest Division play. 

Coming off a 4–2 win over West Seattle the night before, the Bangers looked to build momentum at home. Despite dominating early possession and chances, it was Tacoma who struck first in the 21st minute, as forward Idin Fakhri capitalized on a defensive lapse to give the visitors a 1–0 lead.

In the best move of the half, Drew Pedersen’s left-footed shot was blocked by Tacoma Stars CB, Mykah Harris, and fell kindly to the feet of Loic Baures, who fancied a hit. Baures wounded him and unleashed a dipped knuckleball that got parried straight to the feet of Jaime Villanueva on the back post. Villanueva found himself with a golden opportunity, only for a miraculous tackle from goalkeeper Ryan Saunders to keep the game at a 1-0 Tacoma advantage. The ball went out for a corner kick, which was promptly delivered to the head of Gunder Miller. The Bangers' newcomer hit the ball down and hit a strike that required heroic efforts from the Tacoma goalkeeper. 

Despite trailing at the break, Portland led in shots on target (5–1), prompting head coach Jorge Villafaña to make a decisive halftime shift to a 3-5-2 formation and introduce fresh legs in Jadon Dubon, Vala Saghafi, and Nico Lopez.

GOALLLLLLL!!!! In the 52nd minute, a posted-up Drew Pedersen was at the helm of yet another Portland Bangers goal. This time, he was the setup man, creating the ball for the substitute Vala Saghafi to run onto. Saghafi played a one-time ball across the box in a beautifully executed move that Nico Lopez finished off. The Tacoma backline had no chance as Portland put away its first of the game. 

GOALLLLLLLL!!!! In the 73rd minute, a deflected cross fell to the feet of Gunder Miller outside the 18-yard box, where the midfielder was able to bang home a half-volley to the left of the outstretched hands of the Tacoma goalkeeper. The Portland native, Miller, spent his youth playing for the Timbers Academy and now plays for UMBC, where he just finished his freshman season. 

Portland’s next biggest chance came in the 85th minute when Vance Sheffield picked up the ball near the center circle. Sheffield released the winger Saghafi down the right sideline, where a crafty scissors move sent the defender for a banger. Not on his preferred foot, Saghafi rifled a shot that skied over the crossbar and out for a goal kick. 

With back-to-back wins and a growing sense of identity, the Bangers are beginning to hit their stride. Sunday's victory was not only a testament to tactical adaptability and squad depth but also a sign that this group is maturing at the right moment in the season. As they head into a critical road matchup in Snohomish, Portland will find itself creeping ever so slightly into the playoff conversation if it continues to win.

Match Timeline: Portland Bangers 2 – 1 Tacoma Stars

First Half
21’ – ⚽ Goal: Idin Fakhri (Tacoma Stars)

Second Half
46’ – 🔁 Substitution: Jadon Dubon enters for Portland
46’ – 🔁 Substitution: Vala Saghafi enters for Portland
46’ – 🔁 Substitution: Mason Bradley enters for Portland
52’ – ⚽ Goal: Nico Lopez (Portland Bangers)
52’ – 🎯 Assist: Vala Saghafi (Portland Bangers)
54’ – 🟨 Yellow Card: Mykah Harris (Tacoma Stars)
61’ – 🔁 Substitution: Vance Sheffield enters for Portland
68’ – 🟨 Yellow Card: Loic Baures (Portland Bangers)
73’ – ⚽ Goal: Gunder Miller (Portland Bangers)
84’ – 🔁 Substitution: Jay Klein enters for Portland
88’ – 🔁 Substitution: Ritter Sundby enters for Portland

Starting XI – Portland Bangers

GK: Norris
Defenders: McClellan, McDowd, Salaudeen, Baures
Midfielders: Jeppe, Fisher, Miller
Forwards: Villanueva, Pedersen, Lopez

Substitutes Used:
Dubon (46’), Saghafi (46’), Bradley (46’), Sheffield (61’), Klein (84’), Sundby (88’)

Unused Subs: Glock, Lovell, Kubrakov, Sappington