Notebook: Sounders 2 beat Timbers 2, 2-0

Goals late in each half on Monday lifted Seattle Sounders 2 to a 2-0 win over Portland Timbers 2 in a United Soccer League match in at the University of Portland’s Merlo Field. It was the fourth win in as many matches for S2 over T2.

Sam Garza scored a tap-in goal in the final seconds of the first half, getting to the back post for a low cross from Darwin Jones. Pablo Rossi scored his sixth goal of the season late in the second half to seal the win for Seattle.

Camas High graduate Brent Richards came on midway through the second half and helped create several potential scoring chances for Portland.

T2 (5-8-2) fell to 3-3 at home this season. Seattle (9-5-2) moved into a tie with Sacramento for first place in the Western Conference. Portland hosts Arizona United at 7 p.m. on Thursday at Merlo Field.

Timbers finalist for humanitarian award

The Portland Timbers are among four finalists for the first Sports Humanitarian Team of the Year.

The other finalists are the Chicago Bulls, the San Francisco 49ers and World Wrestling Entertainment Community Relations.

The award will be presented on July 14 by ESPN and PlayStation. The winner will receive a $75,000 grant, and the other three finalists a $25,000 grant for the charity related to the award-winning humanitarian efforts.

Thorns sign defender

The Portland Thorns signed Australia women’s national team defender and co-captain Clare Polkinghorne. Polkinghorne, 26, did not play in the Women’s World Cup because of a hamstring injury. She has played in 79 games for Australia, including at the 2007 and 2011 World Cups.