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Portland Timbers 4-3 Newcastle: Aarons double not enough

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Georginio Wijnaldum scored his first Newcastle goal but his effort wasn't enough as MLS' Portland Timbers 2 won 4-3. Video courtesy of Portland Timbers.

Newcastle United suffered defeat in the final game of their pre-season tour of the United States in a 4-3 defeat by Portland Timbers 2.

The match at Providence Park on Tuesday night was Newcastle’s third American friendly on their tour as they continue preparations for the new Premier League season.

However, two goals in a minute in the second half from Rolando Aarons was not enough to rescue the visitors who had been facing the prospect of a heavy loss.

Georginio Wijnaldum, who joined Newcastle on a five-year contract earlier this month, scored in the sixth minute to give his new side an early lead.

The Timbers reserve side, who play in the third tier in America in the United Soccer League, hit back to shock Steve McClaren’s team and race into a 4-1 lead.

Papiss Cisse battles for the ball against Portland Timbers
Image: Papiss Cisse wrestles for possession against Portland Timbers 2

Adbul Fatawu Safiu scored the equaliser for Portland after 13 minutes before Anthony Manning's header got his side in front.

Taylor Peay’s rebound from a Portland corner made it 3-1 on the half hour before Nick Besler scored in the 70th minute to stretch his side’s lead.

Aarons then struck twice in quick succession with 15 minutes remaining to give his side hope of levelling the match but the Timbers held on for the victory.

Newcastle defeated the Sacramento Republic 1-0 on Saturday.

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